Canada Launches WTO Protest Against Seal Ban
Proposes Exemption for Humanely Hunted Seals
Aug 1, 2009
The European Parliament first approved the ban in May. The final step has been its approval by Foreign Ministers representing 24 of the 27 member nations. Canadian officials have been vocal in their opposition promising to fight the ban at the World Trade Organization. Austria, Romania, and Denmark abstained from the vote.
EU Says Seal Hunt Inhumane, Canadian Experts Disagree
The European Union (E.U.) says the seal hunt is inhumane. They argue the ban is a way to encourage better standards for animal welfare. E.U. Foreign Ministers released a statement saying the ban is a response to animal welfare issues.
Canadian officials disagree. In remarks published by CTV.CA International Trade Minister Stockwell Day points to proof provided by veterinarians: “Associations of veterinarians and others have determined that Canada’s hunt is indeed humanitarian, scientific, and follows environmental rules of sustainability.” Canada’s seal hunt kills 300,000 seals yearly, a number many E.U. countries find objectionable. The ban is to be fully implemented in time for next year’s seal hunt.
It could threaten the livelihoods of many Inuit fishermen. In comments published by CTV.CA Fisheries and Oceans Minister Gail Shea argues it even unfairly targets the First Nations: “We are particularly concerned the views of Canada’s Inuit have not been considered by the E.U.” The ban on seal based products will affect 6,000 jobs.
EU Confident Ban Will Withstand Challenge, Seal Hunt
Before its passage, EU officials consulted WTO (World Trade Organization) legislation, making them confident it would withstand challenges. It will defend the seal hunt ban on the basis of scientific evidence, as well as legislative guidelines.
Canada argues the ban on seal-based products is an unfair trade restriction. The EU counters the accusation arguing that it is fair, because the ban is against all countries that produce seal-based products. In comments published by CBC.CA European Commission spokesperson Lutz Gullner affirmed the E.U. plans a vigorous defense: “If others choose to challenge it in the WTO, the European Commission will vigorously defend it.”
The E.U. says the ban on seal-based products is a result of public pressure. Europeans began questioning whether the hunt was humane. In comments published on CBC.CA The European Commission’s representative in Canada Giovanni Di Girolamo says Europeans didn’t want products which come from hunting: “This kind of product derived from hunt, derived from animals – they don’t want, in the end, for it to be sold within the union.” Canadian officials suggest if the ban remains in place, it should include an exemption for humanely harvested products.
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