The seal hunt is viewed by many people in Canada and abroad as unsound and unsustainable. This is particularly true now that climate change has increased pup mortality in spring due to thin ice and/or a lack of ice in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
The annual seal hunt is the largest killing of marine mammals anywhere on the planet. The European Union ban on seal products has been upheld by the World Trade Organization, rejecting Canada’s claim. The on-going hunt hurts Canada’s international reputation for very little local value.
The Green Party does not support the current industrial, commercial seal hunt in Canada. We support hunting by Aboriginal peoples and local communities.
Green Party MPs will:
-
End federal assistance to the commercial seal hunt and support an end to the seal hunt;
-
Work with fishermen, fisheries unions, and local communities to develop a fair federal buyout of sealing licenses;
-
Work with local communities affected to implement training programs and other resources needed to enhance a sealing industry buyout;
-
Work with other levels of government to find sustainable economic alternatives for sealers and their communities, and provide full compensation to sealers for lost income.