Hon. Iris G. Petten: Honourable senators, sealing has been a vital industry in Newfoundland and Labrador for centuries. To the Labrador Inuit in particular, the seal was, until recently, a staple component of a way of life. The meat was eaten or fed to the dogs, the fat was rendered into oil for light and food, the skin was used for clothing, boots and a myriad of other purposes in addition to trade with European merchants. The demand for seal products led to the development of both inshore and offshore fisheries, driving economic growth.

In 1965, Canada initiated its first seal protection regulations requiring humane harvesting practices and licensing for all harvesters, alongside increased monitoring efforts by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The government later implemented a seal harvest management plan with continued emphasis on sustainability, scientific oversight and humane practices, reflecting a commitment to the integral role of the seal harvest in a rural economy with zero tolerance for any inhumane practices.

Issues such as seal overpopulation is more and more in the news as of late. We know that the excessive numbers of pinnipeds along Canada’s three coastlines are not only creating an imbalance within our marine ecosystems, but it is also causing detrimental effects on the health and conservation of fish stocks.

I recently heard from a community member who said that this issue has two dimensions of equal importance. First is the survival and continuance of properly managed fur, sealing and fishing industries, thus ensuring the ability of rural communities to succeed. Then there is the issue of destroying the propaganda that has defined us as murderers and, somehow, a lesser people — this message really struck me.

We are also just under a month away from what some refer to as the “International Day of Action Against Canadian Seal Hunting.” Just the name of this day demonstrates the need to work together to ensure disinformation, as it relates to the sealing industry, is being countered at all levels of government. Let us fight these misleading campaigns with educational campaigns. Let us promote Canadian seal products as the sustainable, high‑quality and eco-friendly options that they are, including for omega-3 oil, meat, accessories and more.

The harmful rhetoric spread by some organizations cannot be permitted to be the only voice on national and international stages. We must unite our voices in support of our fisheries from coast to coast to coast. Thank you.