OTTAWA– Liberal Whip and Member for Parliament for Random-Burin-St. George’s, Judy Foote, made the following statement today in honour of Seal Day:
 
“After thousands of years, the seal hunt remains an important part of our culture, and contributes to the economy of Newfoundland and Labrador and all of Atlantic Canada, as well as communities in Quebec and the North.
 
In addition to jobs and food for Canadians, the world can benefit from seal products. The meat is rich in protein and iron. Growing demand for Omega-3 has seen a demand for seal oil.  Uniqueness has made seal fur a high demand material.
 
The Liberal Party is committed to a commercial sealing industry. This Conservative government must do more to promote it and help ensure its sustainability. It is time for all parties to stand up for the seal hunt and those who make a living from it.”
 
Liberal Senator Céline Hervieux-Payette, continued:
 
“Now more than ever, we express our support for all sealers and their families in Atlantic Canada, Nunavut and the Magdalen Islands. Sealers are a living part of our heritage and our future.  
 
On Seal Day, we proudly celebrate their courage, their ethics and their environmental responsibility.”