The Canadian government has issued a statement today urging the European Union to reconsider the proposed ban on seal products.
Trade Minister Stockwell Day and Fisheries Minister Gail Shea urged the EU to consider the effects of the proposed ban on Canada's northern communities, in a joint statement issues Sunday.
"We are particularly concerned that no one in the European Union has listened to the Inuit on this matter," they said.
The ministers issued the statement after learning the European Council of Ministers is slated to meet on Monday in Belgium to vote on the proposal, which would regulate trade in seal products.
Members of the EU parliament approved a bill in May and all 27 member states are expected to endorse the ban, which would ensure that the restrictions are in place before next year's seal hunt.
Russia, China and Norway will also be affected by the ban but the Canadian industry, the largest in the world, is expected to be hit the hardest.
"The proposal currently being considered within the EU will serve no purpose other than to damage the livelihood of coastal and northern Canadians and their families," the statement read.
Ottawa estimates that the ban will cost some 6,000 sealers in Canada about 25 to 35 per cent of their annual income.
The ministers say Canada will appeal to the World Trade Organization should the EU adopt the ban, arguing that Canada has strict guidelines in place for humane and sustainable sealing practices.
With files from The Canadian Press
