Canadian Chefs Urged to Include Seal Meat on Menus to Combat Russian Propaganda

Canada‘s top chefs are being encouraged to add seal meat to their menus as a means of countering Russian propaganda and dispelling misinformation surrounding the seal hunt. This effort was discussed during a hearing at the Senate standing committee on Fisheries and Oceans. Additionally, suggestions were made to engage influential figures like Taylor Swift to promote seal consumption.

Marcus Kolga, a representative from the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, argued that communities in Canada are being targeted with disinformation regarding the seal hunt. To combat this, he proposed a campaign to normalize the consumption of seal meat, drawing parallels with other commonly consumed meats such as lamb and veal. Kolga further suggested that Canadian embassies should serve seal meat to foreign dignitaries during official functions.

However, animal rights activists, such as Sheryl Fink from the International Fund for Animal Welfare, reject the claim that Russian propaganda is responsible for the decline of the seal industry. They instead emphasize that the bans imposed by 35 nations on commercial seal products have dealt the biggest blow to the industry.

Fink pointed out that previous efforts to promote the consumption of seal products have failed, including attempts to market seal penises as sex enhancement products in 2014. The bans and a decline in Chinese interest in seal fur have severely impacted the industry, making it unviable in the current market.

Opposition to Canada’s east coast commercial seal hunt is not limited to celebrities and influencers. It has attracted criticism from various professionals, such as veterinarians, scientists, economists, and ethicists. These experts, alongside Canadians from all walks of life, question the value of continuing to support the seal hunt financially.

The Senate committee is currently conducting hearings to assess Canada’s seal populations and their impact on fisheries. During one of the hearings, Senator Bev Busson jokingly raised the idea of recruiting Taylor Swift or other popular figures, often referred to as “Swifties,” to influence young people to eat seal meat. The senator’s office later clarified that her comments were made in a light-hearted manner.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada stated that they await the committee’s conclusion and subsequent report before taking any action. They are committed to exploring innovative market development solutions and maintaining international market access in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.