Sealing advocates applaud idea of federal funding, but not approach

Sealing advocates from across Canada are excited the federal government is putting money into the industry, but some say the new fund's focus on marketing is the wrong approach.

This week's federal budget included the $5.7-million fund, which rolls out over five years and is specifically targeted atensuringInuit can make use of an exemption to the European Union's seal ban.

"Clearly it seems like European people have decided that seal hunting was immoral," says Gil Theriault with the Magdalen Islands Seal Hunters Association.

"I'm not sure that we should insist on trying to sell them those products, especially when we know that there is market right here at home."

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Theriaultcallsthe funding announcement "weird."

In the Magdalen Islands, Que., Theriault says sealskin bootsfly off the shelves and a local butcherfindsit hard to keep up with the growing demand for seal meat.

If it were up to him, the fund would focus on making sure sealers canharvest enough fur for a viable industryand ensuring the quality of products is high.

"We should all definitely work together to address those real problems, real challenges and real opportunities."

Funding sends 'huge' message

Bernie Halloransays, regardless of how this money will be spent, including funding for the industry in the budget sends a "huge" message.

"The country should be behind us," says Halloran, who owns Always in Vogue, a high-end seal skin fashion store in St. John's."Canada should be behind the seal industry."

While the five-year investment seems to focus on the traditional hunt, Halloran says any support will help strengthen sealing industry overall.

"The Inuit obviously are the forefathers of the seal industry."

Both Theriaultand Halloran say the Inuit concept of using the entire seal, including fur, meat and oil, is key to the future of the industry.

"We're working very closely with [the North]," says Theriault, who regularly works with sealers in both Nunavut and Newfoundland and Labrador.

And when it comes to expanding markets, both sealing advocatessee Asia aspotentiallyfertile ground.

"To me the tides are turning," says Halloran, who recently got into the seal processing business.

"I think it's a great time to be in the business."