Inuit applaud Icelandic support for WTO challenge to EU seal ban

Monday April 11, 2011 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Inuit Leader Mary Simon, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, praised the Icelandic government for its decision to join Canada and Norway in challenging the European Union’s trade ban on seal products before a World Trade Organization dispute panel.

“I congratulate the government of Iceland for its principled stand that recognizes the economic hardship that will result should the EU seal ban continue,” said Simon. “And I wholeheartedly agree with Iceland’s position that the EU legislation is a huge step backward for sustainable development and international trade.”

ITK is one of the lead organizations in a 16-plaintiff legal challenge to the EU legislation. Other plaintiffs include Canadian and Greenlandic Inuit organizations and individuals, and Canadian and Norwegian sealing companies.

Contact:
Patricia D’Souza
Senior Communications Officer
Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
dsouza@itk.ca; 613/292-4482