Sealing industry feels optimistic after meeting with federal fisheries minister

Members of the sealing industry in Newfoundland and Labrador say things are looking up following a meeting last week with the federal fisheries minister. 

"It's the first time in a long time that we've left a meeting feeling encouraged and hopeful," said Darren Halloran, owner of Always in Vogue furriers, a processor and seller of seal products in St. John's. 

"We think that things are finally going to get done."

Since July, Fisheries Minister Diane Lebouthillier has stated her desire to support the sealing industry, which is unable to sell its products in the United States and the countries of the European Union.

"We're already selling all over Canada, but we want to be able to sell all over the world," said Halloran.

The American and European embargoes have been in force since 1972 and 2009 respectively. While those associated with the sealing industry have repeatedly called for those embargoes to be lifted, Lebouthillier suggests the industry should focus on existing markets.

"We have to keep in mind that there are also the Asian markets," Lebouthillier said in interview with Radio-Canada. "Our markets for seal products don't begin and end in the U.S. and Europe. There are other markets that can be, and are, available."

Lebouthillier's visit to St. John's comes on the heels of her announcement of a change in regulations that sealers have been asking for. 

As of Jan. 9, personal use permits for seal hunters across the Maritimes have been authorized. Previously, personal use permits were only available in Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador.

According to the Fur Institute of Canada, Maritime fishermen have been waiting a long time for this authorization. Ottawa estimates that only about 100 more captures will take place thanks to the measure, but the institute, a national trade organization representing seal hunters and processors, emphasizes that it will help develop the workforce.

Lebouthillier said increasing the number of personal use licenses means more seal products can be exported.

"We can actually process more seals than we are currently," Lebouthillier said. "That's why we're increasing the number of personal use licenses. We don't have enough product, so we need to catch more."

Though members of the sealing industry are happy with this change, the calls continue for a change to the EU regulations. Currently, there is an exception to the regulation which allows seal products from Indigenous hunters to be sold in the EU. However, it calls for complicated and expensive administrative measures.

Jenny Brake, interim chief of the Qalipu First Nation, says she believes Lebouthillier understands the concerns of Indigenous hunters and processors and wants to improve access to markets.