Posted on 16 June 2011
OTTAWA, June 16, 2011 – “This month marks the 141st anniversary of the Northwest Territories (NWT) becoming a Canadian territory. On this occasion, I proudly announce the support of the government of the NWT for the Universal Declaration on the Ethical Harvest of Seals,” said Senator Céline Hervieux-Payette.
On June 23, 1870, the Northwest Territories joined the Dominion of Canada. On July 15, 1870, they joined the Canadian Confederation.
In a letter to the Senator, Premier Floyd K. Roland officially granted the support of the Territory to the Declaration. "The NWT has a long history of promoting and supporting the humane harvest of our wildlife resources by all hunters and trappers." The Premier emphasized that: "Wildlife in the NWT is managed-through co-management boards created by comprehensive aboriginal land claim agreements."
The Government of the NWT is the third government to support to the Universal Declaration after the governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec.
Premier Roland’s letter is available on the Universal Declaration’s website (www.sealsonline.org) that serves as a rallying point for seal hunting communities. The site reports on all developments regarding the Universal Declaration. Users are invited to sign the online petition.
- 30 -
Maximilien Depontailler
Policy Advisor
Office of the Honourable Céline Hervieux-Payette, PC
613-947-8008 – deponm@sen.parl.gc.ca