“I applaud the decision of the government of Québec to support the Universal Declaration on the Ethical Harvest of Seals (www.sealsonline.org), said Senator Hervieux-Payette who lead the project, and am delighted by Québec’s strong implication in the negotiations between Canada and the European Union on a free trade agreement.”

Written by a team of seven experts and scientists from six Canadian provinces and territories and the United States, the Universal Declaration will be a starting point for new discussions between North Americans and Europeans on the topic of marine mammal welfare, including the seal.

The Declaration aims to establish common ethical principles for all seal-hunting countries by promoting a three-way balance between ensuring animal welfare, ensuring the well being of human communities and protecting species and ecosystems.

“This declaration fits perfectly with the vision of the government of Quebec in promoting a seal hunt that is sustainable and free of cruelty,” wrote the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Mr. Claude Béchard in his letter written to the Senator on the 3rd of December 2009. “The government of Québec has been collaborating for many years with the industry and other governments to ensure that the hunt is carried out by respecting the highest international standards, ”emphasized the Minister.

The Declaration has also received the support of the government of Newfoundland and Labrador along with the international organization for animal conservation IWMC World Conservation Trust based in Switzerland.

Senator Céline Hervieux-Payette urges all governments and concerned organizations to promote and study the application of the Universal Declaration on the Ethical Harvest of Seals written by a panel of experts.