Minister Responds to Paul Watson's Comments

April 2, 2008

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The Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today issued the following statement:

By attacking and trivializing the memory of these men who tragically lost their lives, Mr. Watson has proven to the world that he is gutless, shameless, and has not one shred of human decency. His lust for media coverage knows no bounds.

On behalf of the Government of Canada, I want to once again express our condolences to the family and loved ones of these sealers.

Our Government has said that it will stand up for the safety and security of sealers, and I want to confirm that the militant actions of the Sea Shepherd Society have not gone unnoticed and are currently under investigation.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION

Phil Jenkins Media Relations Fisheries and Oceans Canada Ottawa 613-990-7537

Joshua Zanin Special Assistant, Communications Office of the Minister Fisheries and Oceans Canada Ottawa 613-992-3474