OTTAWA - The Conservative government is warning it will "take all appropriate steps" if the European Union slaps a ban on trade in seal products.
Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon says it's "disappointing" a European Parliament committee recently endorsed a bill to ban the import of seal products to the 27-member union.
Cannon told a news conference in Washington the seal hunt is sustainable and humane, and brings extra money to isolated fishing communities.
Federal officials have estimated an EU ban would chop half the annual value of the hunt, which currently stands at $13 million.
Canada has already threatened to launch trade reprisals through the World Trade Organization if the European Union imposes a ban on trade in seal products.
The European Parliament is expected to vote on the proposed legislation either late this month or early in May.
