Canadian MPs vote to include seal skin on 2010 Canadian Olympic uniforms

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Canadian MPs vote to include seal skin on Olympic uniforms
Mary Frances Hill , Vancouver Sun
Published: Wednesday, May 6, 2009

The federal government wants Canadian Olympians to wear a seal product — most likely skin — during the 2010 Winter Games to help protest a European Union ban on Canada’s seal hunt.

Members of Parliament from all parties voted unanimously Wednesday in favour of a Bloc Quebecois motion calling on the government to come up with a way to integrate seal pelts into the athletes’ uniforms.

“With the upcoming Winter Olympics that will be in Vancouver in 2010, the government has a chance to offer some concrete action to promote seal products,” Bloc Quebec MP Raynald Blais said. “Today we are tabling a motion aimed at studying the possibility to integrate into the Canadian athletes' uniforms. Is the government ready to act to save an industry?”

Canadian Olympic Committee president Mike Chambers said adding seal products to Olympians’ gear would not only mar athletes’ performance, but politicize the Games.

“I’m used to those in the political arena wishing to attach their issues to the Olympic arena,” he said from Lausanne, Switzerland. “But this is one … that will not and cannot be allowed to occur. It’s our intent for our athletes to remain free of the politics that arises in and around the Olympic Games. The seal issue, while important, is an issue that has become politicized.”

The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games would not comment, as athletes’ uniforms are the responsibility of the Canadian Olympic Committee.

Liberal MP Ujjal Dosanjh was among those who supported the motion.

“It’s an industry in the Atlantic and I believe that our caucus is unanimous in supporting it,” he said.

When pressed for details, he added, “I’m not going to say anything more than what I have just said to you.”

Federal Fisheries and Oceans Minister Gail Shea said the move would signal Canada’s support of the sealing industry.

“I would imagine that the Olympic clothing is all designed and probably made by now, but I think it’s a good symbolic suggestion to add something to the outfit of our athletes. I think it would be a good statement for the Canadian sealing industry and Canada’s support of it.”

Seal skin has made high-profile appearances in the past — even on the catwalk. Inuit designers such as Elisapee Kilabuk have showcased creations as diverse as motorcycle jackets to bustiers in international shows.

Chambers said he it’s “doubtful” that the MPs wishes would make any gains.
(THANKFULLY!)
“There are political issues all over the world,” he said. “If the IOC started allowing a patch on everyone’s uniform we’d all look like FI speed racers. Let the politics do the political thing and keep the sport to the games.”

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