Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie said Inuit welcome the new sealing agreement Canada will sign with China this week, as announced today by federal Fisheries Minister Gail Shea.

The new agreement allows Canada to export edible seal products to China. Canada is the only country permitted to export edible seal products to China under the new agreement. Canada also currently sells seal skin products in Asia.

“Inuit are always looking for new markets for our products. I applaud Minister Shea for signing the agreement and boosting Canada’s seal trade, and enabling Inuit to participate in a healthy traditional economy,” said Towtongie. “NTI fully supports the proposed agreement.”

Nunavut has an abundant seal population. Towtongie said NTI hoped the agreement would replace some of the income lost by the ban imposed by the European Union.