Today's developments (so far) in the WTO seals dispute (DS369), with links:
» Canada will challenge seal ban to WTO: Day OTTAWA — The federal government will take the European Union to the World Trade Organization to challenge a pending ban on seal products unless the EU exempts Canada because it practises a humane and sustainable hunt, Trade Minister Stockwell Day said Tuesday.
» Canada will fight European seal ban | Alberta Talks The European Parliament voted Today in favour of an EU ban on products derived from seals. The hunting methods are said to be inhumane and cruel.
» EU says seal ban takes account of WTO obligations BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Commission said on Tuesday it was up to Canada to decide whether to take action at the World Trade Organization over an EU ban on seal products, but Brussels had worked hard to meet global trade rules.
» edmontonsun.com - Canada - Ottawa wants exemption to EU seal ban OTTAWA — The federal government is demanding an exemption to a “politically motivated” decision by the European Parliament to ban seal products — or it will take the issue to the world trade body.
» EU seal ban a 'black day for Atlantic Canada': Industry The Canadian sealing industry grappled with the loss of a major market for seal products Tuesday, as the European Parliament voted overwhelmingly in favour of a ban across its 27 nations.
» EU Bans Seals, Ottawa Sits on Fence In the wake of a vote in the European Parliament the government of Canada has once again proven itself a champion at political doublespeak and dereliction of its duty to Canadian citizens.
» CTV Toronto - EU Parliament passes import ban on seal products The European Parliament passed a bill Tuesday banning the import of seal products, a move that is expected to cripple the Canadian sealing industry.
» BBC NEWS | EU ban looms over seal products The European Parliament has voted to ban the sale of seal products in the 27-nation EU.
ADDED: I referred to the seals dispute as DS369. However, that dispute is actually a complaint by Canada against a different set of measures related to protection of seals, in particular certain Belgian and Dutch laws, rather than the European Parliament bill being discussed now. If a new complaint is filed, it could get a new DS number.
