The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador today expressed its appreciation of Governor General Michaelle Jean in showing her support of the Canadian seal harvest. The Governor General recently ate a piece of seal heart while visiting Rankin Inlet in Nunavut.
“Our government is pleased to see the Governor General show her support for Aboriginal peoples in Canada, while demonstrating respect for Aboriginal culture and traditions,” said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. “The seal harvest is an important part of many Aboriginal communities and we appreciate the Governor General’s move to show fellowship and respect for the traditions and cultures of our Inuit communities.”
The seal harvest is also a critical component of the survival of coastal communities in Newfoundland and Labrador. Approximately 6,000 people regularly participate in the harvest. Including secondary processing activity, the provincial sealing industry has been valued at up to $60 million a year.
“While we are pleased to see the Governor General recognize that the Canadian seal harvest is essential to Aboriginal culture and tradition, it is important to realize that coastal people in this province also have a rich heritage, of which sealing is a vitally important component,” said Minister Hedderson.
Sealers have reported that up to 35 per cent of their income is derived from the sealing industry.
“The sealing industry is a vital part of many coastal communities throughout Canada and it is conducted in a humane and sustainable manner,” said Minister Hedderson. “Our government will continue to support the industry and we thank the Governor General for her support.”
