We are examining the recent federal budget announcement made this Tuesday regarding the news that support for the aboriginal sealing sector has being committed over 5 years. We have included the actual text below from the budget document below with a link to the item. The CSA was disappointed no mention of Atlantic Canada’s sealers were included in the announcement but there is mention in the last sentence that future support is possible.
Supporting the Canadian Sealing Industry
Economic Action Plan 2015 proposes to provide $5.7 million over five years, starting in 2015–16, to help secure new market access for Canadian seal products.
Sealing is a way of life and a valuable source of food in many Aboriginal and coastal communities. Seal products also generate income in some communities that have limited job opportunities. The Government will establish a system to certify seal products resulting from hunts traditionally conducted by Aboriginal communities in order to meet the requirement set by the European Union so that seal products can enter that market. Actions will also be taken to help Aboriginal sealers develop effective sealing businesses by providing business advice and training. The Government will continue to support efforts by the broader sealing industry to increase export market opportunities.
Official budget article is here