The Greens have long called on the federal government to put an end to the industrial-scale kill by buying out sealing licenses and helping affected workers transition into sustainable seal eco-tourism initiatives.

“The sealing industry had been dying for years,” said Green Party leader Elizabeth May. “It’s time to stop providing life support to this disappearing industry by ending the massive government subsidies. Taxpayers’ money is better spent creating sustainable economic opportunities in coastal communities.”

Markets for seal products have disappeared because countries around the world–including the US, EU and recently Russia–have banned seal product imports.The Greens are the only party in Parliament that would end the seal hunt to protect Canada’s reputation, the environment, the economic well-being of the sealers, and the seals themselves.

“Federal and provincial governments have injected millions of dollars to attempt to revive the sealing industry, with zero success but a great deal of bad publicity for Canada,” said Georges Laraque, Green Party Deputy Leader and animal welfare advocate. “It is now clearer than ever before that these subsidies are embarrassing and wasteful political spending. We should transition workers out of an industry that is rapidly imploding. Developing marine energy and tourism would let communities benefit from the natural beauty and riches of their coastal lands.”

The post Greens applaud Harb seal bill appeared first on Elizabeth May.

The Green Party has criticized the federal government subsidization of the commercial seal hunt in the past, suggesting that sealing licenses be bought out and investments made in sustainable alternative livelihoods, including ecotourism.

“With multiple bans on seal product imports, the market is shrinking while fuel prices continue to rise.  It may be more beneficial to provide enough compensation to help sealers get out of the business and into one that will be better in the longer term,” said May.  “This would also help the entire ecosystem to come back into balance,” added May.

Cleary, MP for St. John’s South-Mount Pearl in Newfoundland, has called for examining an end to the commercial seal hunt, pointing out that the demand for seal products has declined precipitously.  Last fall, he introduced a private member’s bill to create a commission of inquiry into the collapse of the cod stocks.

“We should be learning from past mistakes with the cod and scrutinizing the current system of management, ensuring protection for the recovering stocks,” said May.

A 2010 World Wildlife Fund report found that the Grand Banks population of cod has increased 69% since 2007, though the stock is still only at about 10% of what it was in the 1960s.  The Greens have been encouraging restraint and caution to ensure the stock continues to be replenished, including decreased limits on by-catch and also specific plans for when those limits are near, including avoiding fishing in certain areas.

“Newfoundlanders have been failed by the federal government’s mismanagement. This government now has a responsibility to carefully consider how to do better in the future for this province.  A commission would be a good way to hear from the people who were most affected and hear their opinions and ideas as to how we can move forward,” said May. “As always, I’m always happy to encourage cross-party cooperation and I fully support Mr. Cleary’s initiative.”

The post Greens in Favour of Sealer Buyout appeared first on Elizabeth May.