European seal ban; Hearn says Canada won’t sit on its hands
(feb 22, 2008)
The western star

ST. JOHN’S — Federal Fisheries Minister Loyola Hearn is vowing that Canada will fight back if European countries implement broader bans on seal products.

During a stop Wednesday in the St. John’s area, Hearn noted that trade between Canada and Europe is a two-way street.

“Well listen — if they’re going to ban our products, well, we import an awful lot of stuff, too,” said Hearn. “So it’s a two-way street. So if you want to fool around, well then, we can take the gloves off, too.”

Hearn did not mention any specific actions. The European Commission will soon make a final recommendation about a possible Europe-wide ban on seal products — a decision that could strike a major blow to Canada’s East Coast hunt.

A number of countries have already banned seal products, including Belgium and the Netherlands. Several more European nations are also taking steps to implement bans.

Hearn said Canada continues to try to make the case in favour of the annual seal hunt, while animal-rights activists continue the campaign against the slaughter.

The minister said he will defend the sealing industry.

“If we’re going to be pushed around by other countries just because somebody is putting pressure on them, well then, we have to fight back,” said Hearn.

“And we have different options to do that. We will certainly make sure that whatever avenues we have, we will take, to protect our sealers and our own people.

“We’re sick and tired of being wussies around the world.”

Canada’s East Coast seal hunt is the largest marine mammal hunt in the world, with an average annual catch of about 300,000 harp seals.

(ED NOTE: This psychopathic mentality is not representative of Canadians. As a native of Newfoundland, Mr. Hearn represents the interests of only his people - most of whom share his warped view on this issue. Note also that any threatened European bans will be at the expense of all Canadian taxpayers - most who are revolted by this annual slaughter as the rest of the world. Not only is this a cruelty issue, it reeks of fascism as well).