Thanks to Rob Cahill, Executive Director, Fur Institute of Canada for the following Press Release:
Members of the Fur Institute of Canada and its Seals and Sealing Network applauded the Government of Canada today for negotiating a trade agreement with China to open new markets for Canadian seal products. The new agreement, initialed by Federal Fisheries and Oceans Minister Gail Shea, allows Canadian trade to China in seal meat and oil products on the condition that the products meet China’s food quality standards for human consumption.
“We thank the Government of Canada for having the foresight to seek this agreement,” said Rob Cahill, Executive Director of the Fur Institute of Canada. “Negotiation of quality standards for the harvesting and handling of seals provides an excellent opportunity to prove the value of the seal trade as a sustainable and responsible way of living.”
The terms of the new agreement were reached between the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and China’s Administration of Quality Supervision. It will allow the expansion of seal product exports to China beyond the fur markets to which Canadian industry already has access. The new agreement, which takes effect immediately, will provide new market opportunities beginning with the 2011 Canadian seal hunt.
Quick Facts on Seals and Sealing in Canada
• The Northwest Atlantic Harp Seal population is abundant and well conserved, numbering 9.5 million animals – the highest level ever scientifically estimated. Since the 1970’s, the population has multiplied by 4-5 times. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) lists harp seals as a species of “least concern”.
• Hunting methods required by licensed Canadian seal hunters are effective and conform to established practices of animal welfare. These methods were implemented in 2009 and are based on recommendations by the Independent Veterinarians’ Working Group (IVWG 2005).
• Seal meat and seal oil (rendered from fat), provide a sustainable source of protein and a superior source of Omega-3 essential fatty acids for human consumption. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency certifies production facilities, inspects products and issues export certificates.
• Seal hides, or “pelts” are handled locally in Canada, where they are tanned into high-quality materials for both domestic use and export.
Good.
Now let’s hear the fur loving people complain about maintaining a Canadian livehood for Northern parts of Canada.
Maybe they can propose some alternative job creation, or willingly Fund the people that would be out of work if this industry sector would close to their wishes.
Well done Mrs. Shea. In these somewhat troubled economic times, a good deal is good news. Also nice to see more of the seal being put to good use. Excellent source of protein and a large population in need of it. Only makes sense to put the two together.Hopefully the EU will take another look at the matter, but, probably not, politics being what they are.
Excellent news, anything that ensures the full use of Seal products makes the seal hunt a viable industry for East coast residents, and with the population out of control, maybe this will help conservation practices not just for seals, but for other aquatic resourses as well.
great news, keeps the seals a viable commodity
Excellent news. It will keep the animal rights people’s money stretched in all directions.We should can the seal meat and then send that instead of our hard earned tax dollars to some of these countries that need help.I’m betting 80% of our money does not actually make it to the people starving in the first place.
@paul great ideal and im with you money part 100%
Sealing is on my bucket list…..
Well, why don’t we just start killing dogs for fur too? The maniacs in the Canadian government want to team up with one of the most barbaric countries in the world to sell seal pelts?
Sick, I’m ashamed to live in this country.
Penny Goertzen.
Paul, hard-earned tax dollars as you call them are what is keeping the hunt going.
$4.3 mil 2009-2010 for the coast guard to break the ice for hunters to go out to the nurseries, $10mil to fight the EU ban to the WTO, and all the other numerous subsidies.
You sound like your just regurgitating the phrases that have been pounded into you.