House of Commons Owes Apology to Olympians for Seal Hunt Posturing

OTTAWA – Members of Parliament should apologize to Canada’s Olympic athletes for endorsing a motion last week to have Olympic uniforms for the 2010 Olympics include seal skin, say the Greens.  The motion, introduced by a Bloc MP following a European Union vote to ban trade in seal products, was unanimously supported by all parties.

“The willingness of MPs to use Canada’s dedicated Olympic athletes as pawns in a game of political posturing is beyond shameful,” said Elizabeth May, Leader of Canada’s Greens.  “Forcing our athletes to wear seal skins politicizes the Olympic Games in a way that compromises their spirit. MPs from all parties owe our Olympic athletes an immediate apology for this ill-conceived motion.”

Although most Canadians oppose the commercial seal hunt, the old-line political parties have disregarded the will of Canadians by using the issue as an excuse for posturing and scoring political points. Meanwhile, global public opposition to commercial seal kills is leading countries around the world to close their borders to seal products and pelt prices have plummeted.

“Disappearing markets and low pelt prices mean the seal hunt is in its last days,” said Ms. May. “In the current economy, Canada cannot afford to continue propping up this marginal industry. Nor can we afford to waste more money with a futile World Trade Organization challenge against the EU—it makes far more sense to invest in viable alternative economic initiatives for affected communities.

“Instead of insulting Canada’s Olympic athletes with pointless motions, the Greens would respect the desire of Canadians to see an end to the hunt,” said Adriane Carr, Deputy Leader and Green Critic on the 2010 Olympics. “We would buy back sealing licenses—giving sealers money to invest in new opportunities—and work with stakeholders to develop coastal ecotourism. Since commercial whaling was banned, whale watching has provided successful and sustainable eco-tourism spin-offs to economies on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.  The Green Party’s plan will leave sealers, seals and taxpayers better off.”

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Contact:
Michael Bernard
Communications Officer
Green Party of Canada
613-562-4916 ext. 244
(c) 613-614-4916
michael.bernard@greenparty.ca