“Unlike the NDP, the Harper Government has been unequivocal in our support for the Canadian seal industry. We always put the lives and livelihoods of real Canadian families first and we will not sacrifice this industry in response to theories put forward by animal rights activists or misleading statements by the opposition.

“For someone who ran supposedly to represent the interests of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, MP Ryan Cleary’s comments seem to show that he’s giving up on supporting local sealers.

“Perhaps if Ryan Cleary were to speak to scientists, sealers and fishermen he would learn that the population of seals in the North Atlantic have exploded and are more abundant than ever before. If he were to listen to the industry, he would learn that they believe that there is an emerging market for seal products and our government is working diligently to ensure that it opens.

“If he would listen to the fishermen in Newfoundland and Labrador, he would hear that seals eat a lot fish and their massive populations are having a direct impact on the recovery of fish stocks.

“Unlike the whaling industry, there is no conservation reason to end the hunt. Though the industry continues to battle misinformation put forth by animal rights activists who try to close market access, our government sees no commercial reason to end the hunt.

“It is disturbing that the NDP - including MPs Jack Harris, Peter Stoffer and Dennis Bevington - agrees that it’s time to give up on Canadian sealers.

“Our government will continue to stand up for Canadians and for the sealing industry.”

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