Question Period Note: Seal Market Development

How is the Government supporting market development for Canadian seal products?

• The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the market development of Canadian seal products.
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada works closely with Global Affairs Canada, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to explore market development solutions, and to maintain and improve access to international markets.
• The Department also provides project funding for the sector through the fisheries funds and the Certification and Market Access Program for Seals.

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) works closely with stakeholders and partners, including Global Affairs Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, to further develop and diversify the market for Canadian seal products.
• The Canadian Fish and Seafood Opportunities Fund has provided $2.7M to the sector for a three-year project (2019-2022) to implement marketing activities to support the industry and improve conditions in both domestic and international markets.
• Moreover, the Certification and Market Access Program for Seals has allocated $5.67M in dedicated funding for Indigenous and commercial stakeholders to explore new markets and address market access challenges for Canadian seal products.
• Since the Seal Summit (November 8-9, 2022), DFO has been working with stakeholders and collaborating with other federal departments to improve access to markets such as Japan, Taiwan, and China.
• DFO is also evaluating a project proposal from the Fur Institute of Canada (FIC). FIC has submitted a proposal to the Canadian Fish and Seafood Opportunities Fund, to be led by the Seals and Sealing Network (SSN), for the next phase of their project to implement a strategic marketing plan to improve market access and acceptance of Canadian seal products in domestic and international markets.

Market Access Challenges in Taiwan
• Taiwan has a ban on all seal products, but an Indigenous Exemption to this ban allows the import of seal oil derived from seals hunted by Indigenous people for subsistence within their traditional territories.
• To allow for seal oil exports under this exemption, a traceability system would need to be in place to separate Indigenous harvested oil from non-Indigenous harvested oil, which presents a logistical challenge to industry.
• DFO continues to be in contact with other government departments, including Global Affairs Canada, to explore options that may be available for high-level engagement with the Taiwan Government to resolve these market access challenges.

Market Access Challenges in China
• Canada has taken all available and necessary measures to enable the export of seal products to China.
• In response to a request from the industry, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has clarified that China suspended trade for edible seal products from Canada in response to a proposal from a Beijing animal welfare group.
• Canada continues to take every opportunity to advise Chinese officials that the Canadian seal harvest is sustainable, humane and adheres to strict government regulations.