MAY 16th, 2017

National Seal Products Day, Bill S-208, received Royal Assent today – marking an annual celebration on May 20th.

“Inuit and coastal communities of Atlantic Canada and Quebec have relied on the land and the sea for their food security and their clothing for millennia and continue to do so to this day. Seal day is about honouring the historical and modern contributions that seals represent – an integral cultural, economic and sustainable industry for tens of thousands of people. This is a proud day, with nearly unanimous support in the House of Commons, we are sending a strong message of support to Inuit and other commercial seal harvesters and processors that rely on seal harvesting for food, culture, and economic continuity” – Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador.

The event was celebrated in the Speakers lounge Monday with representatives of territorial, Inuit, federal and the Newfoundland and Labrador governments, northern and eastern chambers of commerce, as well as Industry representatives in Ottawa on Monday. Guests and Parliamentarians sampled gourmet seal dishes, discovered Seal skin fashion and learned more about the industry and more products made from seal oil, skin, and meats.

On Tuesday, May 16th a seal industry sponsored dinner will be held at the National Arts Centre.

Here is my member statement in the House of Commons on May 15th to mark the occasion.

Happy seal day!