Fisheries minister says prime minister is standing up for sealers

"Along with the other important issues addressed at the G8 summit, Prime Minister Harper discussed Canada's seal hunt in his bilateral meeting with European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso.

"The Prime Minister reiterated that it is imperative for European Union member nations to consider their next steps carefully as they discuss any measure that would restrict or exclude the sale of seal products within their borders.

"Canada is committed to promoting humane, sustainable and regulated wild hunts. Public pressure within the European Union to curb the sale of seal products is based on misinformation from anti-sealing organizations and extremist groups.

"Our government has a proven track record of action on the issues that matter to Canada's coastal communities. Canada will not stand by and accept measures that fly in the face of accepted international practices for sustainability and trade and undermine trade of seal products harvested in accordance with international standards.”