OTTAWA – The Green Party says the Conservative government should axe federal subsidies to the commercial seal hunt to find budgetary savings in the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. The government has refused to explain the details of its plans to cut $74 million
from the DFO’s budget over the 2012-2014 fiscal period, butnews reports
indicate research programs on management and conservation are on the chopping
block.
“Reducing support for research on fish management could be disastrous and lead to further 90s-style fish stock collapses,” said Green Party leader Elizabeth May. “Instead of slashing valuable programs, it’s time to stop throwing taxpayers dollars at the commercial seal hunt. For less money we now spend propping up this dying industry, we could buy out sealing licenses and develop sustainable economic alternatives for coastal communities, like seal watching.“
The landed value of the commercial seal hunt was only $1.3 million in 2010, yet the government spends many times this amount each year in seal hunt subsidies. This includes Coast Guard icebreaker services,
helicopter and airplane rental for DFO surveying and monitoring, grants to promote seal products, and pro-sealing lobbying efforts in other countries. Canada has also launched a costly World Trade Organization challenge against the European Union, which banned its trade in commercial seal products in 2009. The WTO case is expected to cost well in excess of $10 million.
The commercial seal hunt closes at midnight on Tueday. Today and last week, seal hunt observers released shocking video documentation of countless violations of sealing regulations, confirming that the Canadian government has continued to ignore concerns about inhumane killing.
“It’s time to stop wasting money on an industry that has tarnished our international reputation. If the Conservatives are looking for ways to find budgetary savings, they should end seal hunt subsidies,” said Green Party deputy leader Georges Laraque.
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Contact
Kieran Green
Director of
Communications
613-614-4916
kieran.green@greenparty.ca