Posted on 16 February 2011
Ottawa, February 16, 2011 - Senator Celine Hervieux-Payette reaffirms her solidarity with all Canadians sealers and is pleased that a formal complaint has now been filed by Canada before the World Trade Organization (WTO) against the European Union’s decision to boycott seal products.
“I am pleased that the Government of Canada has decided to continue its opposition of the European seal boycott before the bodies of international trade,” said Senator Hervieux-Payette. “This is not just an industry that is affected by vegetarian extremist groups but these are families, communities, Inuit and modest people who are attacked simply because they live by the sea in harmony with their environment.”
The Senator said that the endangered bluefin tuna has yet to benefit from the pseudo-morality of Europe.
“In Europe, animal protection seems to be based on national interests. It is therefore easier for the EU to preach ethics to Canadians who properly monitor and protect the seal population than to its own member countries who are decimating tuna stocks,” continued the Senator.
Since Canada’s appeal at the WTO may take up to 3 years, Senator Hervieux-Payette demands appropriate financial compensation from the federal government to guarantee sealer’s income at 2005 levels if they were to suffer the consequences of a European boycott. She also supports the intensive promotion of seal products in China by the Canadian government.
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Maximilien Depontailler
Policy Advisor
Office of the Honourable Céline Hervieux-Payette, PC
613-947-8008 – deponm@sen.parl.gc.ca