Seal to be on menu at Canadian parliament

Published: 6:09AM Tuesday March 09, 2010 Source: Reuters

  • Print this article
  • Text size + -

Canada's parliamentary restaurant will be serving seal meat on Thursday in a gesture of defiance aimed at a European Union ban on imports of seal products.

Canada's Conservative government says it will fight the EU ban, which was imposed last July on the grounds that the annual seal hunt off the east coast was cruel and inhumane.

A dish of double-smoked bacon-wrapped seal loin in a port reduction will be on the menu on Thursday, the office of Senator Celine Hervieux-Payette said on Tuesday.

"All political parties will have the opportunity to demonstrate to the international community the solidarity of the Canadian Parliament behind those who earn a living from the seal hunt," she said in a statement.

Ottawa says the hunt - which takes place in March and April - provides valuable income for Atlantic fishing communities. The seals are either shot or hit over the head with a spiked club called a hakapik.

An aide to Hervieux-Payette said that, depending on supplies, seal meat could be available once a week when in season.

  • Print this article
  • Text size + -
  • more...

World News Video

World News

Most Popular

  1. 32 children killed in Syrian massacre watch
  2. Undercover report exposes elderly care industry
  3. 'Child porn' found on Megaupload servers by FBI
  4. Princess reveals Queen's private side
  5. Rain and wind to lash parts of South Island watch

rssLatest News

Advertising

How do you want your news?

  • Mobile Devices

    TVNZ is available on mobile phones: Text TVNZ to 8869.

  • News Feeds

    See when TVNZ have added new content. You can get the latest headlines anywhere.

  • Podcasts

    Enjoy TVNZ on the move - a wide range of programmes and highlights are available.