Canada remains defiant despite EU law

Activist Sheryl Fink says seal hunting practice is part of a political game

The long-awaited European Union (EU) ban against seal products has been approved, and it has given hope to the many activists who are now suggesting that even Canada can play its role in putting an end to what they consider an inhumane practice.
According to Sheryl Fink, a researcher for International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Ottawa’s position is not a reflection on the current state of the economy or because of any doubts regarding the unethical nature of this practice. Rather, “Ottawa is being held hostage by Newfoundland,” says Fink.
Fink adds, “The European Union has shown a great role of leadership by having taken this step to ban seal products. We only hope that now Ottawa can find the courage to take the same step for Canada.”
Fink hasn’t lost hope that Parliament Hill can measure up to the example of the EU. But she does remain realistic when it comes to the time needed for this landmark decision: “This is about the Canadian government making an economically sound and responsible decision for its citizens.”
Fink explains that in terms of international trade, “it would cost Canadians millions of dollars to sustain such a practice, which is more than the value that seal hunting brings into the Canadian market.”
The activist points out that the day after the ban was approved, Prime Minister Harper – who was present for the signing – ironically stated that Canada would not take any measures that would compromise its relationship with the EU. “This is about an accord that is worth billions of dollars,” says Fink. “It’s not worth risking.”
And while the debate continues, there are still many who question what will become of seal hunters if Canada does decide to put an end to the hunt.
“We agree that these people should be compensated, since it is how they make their living,” Fink says, “but in this moment, the value of the products of this industry are so low that seal hunters would only stand to gain if Canada were to follow the EU’s example.”
According to Fink, the future of this industry does not seem promising either: “In my opinion, this seems like the right time to put an end to seal hunting, and to re-buy the licenses of seal hunters, as well as help them find other jobs. This would surely be a better and more effective use of funds.”
But the question still remains: why hasn’t Ottawa still not prohibited seal hunting considering the many economical and political strains it has imposed on Canada? “The only reason Canada has continued to support seal hunting is for political reasons,” says Fink. “Realistically, no political party wants to jeopardize its chances of gaining the support of the seven seats that Newfoundland has in Parliament. It’s for this reason that parties have just tried to go along with the interests of politicians and citizens of that province. And it is this reality that gives light to the statement that Ottawa is being held captive of Newfoundland’s interests. We know that the majority of Canadians are against seal hunting because it is both inhumane and economically disadvantageous. Canada’s position is based on pure politics.”
However, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing for Ottawa. A few months ago, the Canadian Olympic Committee refused to support Ottawa’s proposal to have athletes wear an official Vancouver 2010 article of clothing, made from sealskin.
“The world will have its eyes on Canada and this will surely help our cause, since it will help to put more pressure on the government. Now, even Europe has approved this ban, and Ottawa has the chance to get out of the situation in which it currently finds itself – it has the ability to abandon this industry for a reasonable purpose.”
For Fink, this is an occasion for “Canada to regain its once highly acclaimed reputation as being a country that is respectful of rights, reason and morality.”

Publication Date: 2009-05-31
Story Location: http://www.tandemnews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=9165