MONTAGUE, PE and KELLIGREWS, NL— Liberal critic for Fisheries and Oceans, and Member of Parliament for Cardigan, Lawrence MacAulay, made the following statement on the NDP position on Canada’s seal hunt:

“Unlike NDP MP Ryan Cleary, we in the Liberal Party of Canada have been, and remain, fully supportive of Canada’s seal hunt.

Already, Cleary’s statement is being cited by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) as a victory in their anti-seal hunt campaign. We should not bow to pressure from other countries or interest groups like PETA when it comes to this humane and sustainable practice that provides jobs, food, and a traditional way of life for so many people in Atlantic Canada, coastal communities in Quebec and the northern regions of Inuit Nunangat.

Seal populations have exploded over the last number of years and we also need to seriously consider the impacts this population explosion is having on our commercial fish stocks.”

Senator Céline Hervieux-Payette added:

“The markets for Canadian seal products will exist as long as we remain committed to marketing this industry in Canada and around the world. I know that Canadian sealers are ready to take up this challenge. Furthermore, China chose Canada as its exclusive supplier of seal products. For these reasons, I urge parliamentarians to stop playing games with anti-speciesist groups who aim to sabotage existing trade relations.”

Member of Parliament for Avalon Scott Andrews, added:

“Those involved in the seal hunt need our continued support and it is unfortunate that MP Ryan Cleary has lost that focus. I find it very ironic that Mr. Cleary has concerns with markets, but at no time did he see the need to consult and seek the advice of the Canadian Sealers Association. I seriously believe that Mr. Cleary has insulted all those committed to this industry and must apologize. He can try and spin this but we know there will never be support from Mr. Cleary and the NDP for the seal hunt and that is most unfortunate. The sealing industry in Newfoundland and Labrador needs to build support here at home and not tear it down as is done through the actions of the NDP.”