Posted on 23 July 2008
Ottawa, July 23, 2008 – Active for the past two-and-a-half years in defending seal hunters, the Honourable Céline Hervieux-Payette said she was disappointed by the lack of initiative that shown by the Government of Canada, which has not fought the challenge with the heavy artillery it merits. “I hope that from now on Canada will protect the interests of our seal hunters,” she said, “whether by considering recourse to the WTO or by participating in the establishment of the international standards that will make the seal hunt acceptable in the eyes of the world.”
The European Commission’s proposal calls for a ban on seal products on European territory. Products resulting from hunting by Inuit communities would however be exempt. The so-called commercial hunt could also be exempted as long as it met animal welfare standards. These standards remain to be defined.
While protesting the boycott, the Senator is delighted that the European Union is finally taking steps to recognize the seal hunt as a legitimate activity. “By providing for exemptions to the boycott on seal products, the European Commission has ecognized that the hunt is not barbaric and need not be cruel,” said Senator Hervieux-Payette. “Canada has always been committed to a humane seal hunt. But Europe’s determination to penalize the so-called commercial hunt is based more on trade concerns than on animal welfare concerns.”
The Senator noted
Europe’s desire to treat Inuit differently. “Inuit are Canadians just like all other Canadians, and the seal hunt is part of the culture of all Canadians on the East Coast,” she pointed out. “It makes a significant contribution to the incomes of all hunter communities, without exception. This discrimination is simply not acceptable. Inuit also have the right to hunt seal for commercial purposes. There isn’t an amateur seal hunt and an industrial seal hunt. There’s a seal hunt, period.”
The Senator also noted the excessive influence of animal rights and vegetarian organizations on European parliaments. “I see that Brigitte Bardot has become the Trojan horse for American animal rights organizations in
Europe and the great guru of European parliaments,” she said. “She was no doubt chosen for her broad tolerance, as exemplified by five convictions for incitement to racial hatred. Or perhaps it was for her scientific expertise, regularly demonstrated in her emotional and anthropomorphic arguments.” Senator Hervieux-Payette added that the European Commission does not really seem to have listened to her, since it is proposing exemptions in favour of free trade in seal products. Ms Bardot shouldn’t claim victory too quickly.”