Ensuring a Sustainable and Humane Seal Harvest - Nunavut ...

in the U.S. Congress. In addition, Canada must seriouslyconsider seeking a review under GATT of the prohibition on theimportation of Canadian seal products into the United States.The Committee also recommends that the Government ofCanada undertake an immediate examination of the U.S. MMPAto ensure that it complies with the provisions of both the WTOand NAFTA with respect to Canadian seal products. If theinvestigation concludes that the MMPA does violate either orboth of the trade agreements, the Committee recommends thatimmediate trade action be commenced. If the MMPA is found notto contravene either the WTO or the NAFTA, the federalgovernment should immediately commence discussions withthe United States to determine the best means by whichCanadian seal products may gain access to the U.S. marketplace.RECOMMENDATION 7The Committee recommends that the Department of Fisheriesand Oceans must undertake a process of legislative reformresulting in appropriate revisions to bring statutes andregulations relating to sealing into conformity with modern landclaims agreements, Aboriginal treaties and the rights ofAboriginal peoples under section 35 of the Constitution Act,1982. The Department must carry out such a process in fullcollaboration with affected land claims bodies and Aboriginalpeoples.The Department should also revise the Marine MammalRegulations to ensure that these do not provide excuses forfrivolous and nuisance trade barriers.RECOMMENDATION 8The Committee recommends that the Department of Fisheriesand Oceans work actively with the provincial and territorialgovernments to produce and distribute educational material thatraise public awareness of the practices and benefits of Canada'ssealing industry. The Department must play a leading role inensuring that educational and promotional materials aredistributed not only domestically, but also in the United Statesand Europe.31