The Canadian government yesterday issued a strong backing for the country’s sealing community and condemned “campaigns of misinformation” by animal rights activists.

Gail Shea, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, reiterated her government’s long-standing support for Canadian sealers and the traditional harvest, saying: “Canadian sealers, processors, artisans and Inuit produce some of the finest quality products in the world. I am proud of our government’s record of supporting and defending those who depend on this important traditional industry.”

At the same time, she condemned the “campaigns of misinformation” from animal rights activists who oppose the hunting and of seals and confirmed the Canadian government’s determination to counter them.

She said: “We respect the right of individuals to voice their opinion – all we ask is that these opinions be based on facts. Many activist groups appeal to the emotions of Canadians while misleading them about the facts of the seal harvest. The government will continue to oppose these campaigns at home and abroad.

“While sealing income may seem small to affluent American and European lobby groups and celebrities, the reality is much different for sealers in remote, northern and coastal communities. From coast to coast to coast, the Government of Canada will stand up for our sealers – their livelihood and future depend on our actions and leadership today. ”

Ms Shea also said the government was committed to supporting  the advancement of the seal industry.

She said: “For Canada, sealing is about much more than fur. Our government is strongly encouraging industry to continue to look for new and innovative ways to make the fullest use possible of the animals harvested each year. In fact, the trade of other seal products, such as oils and meat, represents a growing share of what is already a multi-million-dollar business, providing an important livelihood for remote coastal and northern communities.

 “We are actively working to advance and expand markets at home and abroad for Canadian fish and seafood, including all kinds of seal products. In January I visited China, the world's largest consumer of fish and seafood to promote Canadian seal products there. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans continues to work with the Canadian Food inspection Agency to have seal meat certified for human consumption in that country.

“We are also supporting ongoing research into potential use of seal heart valves in human transplants by providing a team of medical researchers with a developmental allocation of seals for research purposes for up to five years.”