The Tories wish to see the provincial government direct more of its attention and resources to developing markets for the seal fishery.

The 200,000 tonnes of fish total for all species caught off Newfoundland and Labrador translates into a billion dollar industry, but it’s estimated that seals consume over three times that amount. Opposition Fisheries Critic Craig Pardy says the Liberal Government has not issued a single news release on the sealing industry since it came to power in 2015—something which, to him, speaks volumes.

Creating more markets for seals, according to Pardy, would reduce the pressure on our fish stocks.

Whether we go into the oil, the powder, the meat or the pelts, Pardy says the markets are out there but government has to show that it is committed.

The importation of seal products is currently banned in some parts of the world, including Europe.