European Union Seal ban Suspended

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Vice-President of Finance Raymond Ningeocheak said he was pleased the European Union’s proposed seal ban was suspended from coming into force today. The ban would have prevented the import of seal products into EU countries. Canadian and Greenlandic Inuit and other plaintiffs launched legal action earlier this year and filed the application for interim injunction in July, 2010.

“This is very good news for Inuit and the economy in Nunavut,” said Ningeocheak. “I hope this leads to the eventual abolition of the EU legislation.”

Although the EU legislation contains an exemption for Inuit, Inuit believe that the exemption will be inadequate and ineffective in preventing serious damage to Inuit livelihood and the possible collapse of the seal skin market.