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<DIV class=headline>Can't stop import of cat and dog fur</DIV>
<DIV class=pubdate>Feb. 10, 2006. 01:00 AM</DIV><BR>
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</HR><B>Imported cat and dog fur
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<P></P>I recently wrote to the office of the former prime minister expressing my
concern that increased trade with China might result in the importation of items
made from dog or cat fur. I suggested that Canada should step up to the plate
with a ban on the importation of such products, similar to the one enacted y the
United States in 2002.
<P></P>I was quite astonished by the reply I received from the then minister of
international trade. After a lengthy preamble explaining the importance of the
fur trade to Canada's economy, he said this: "Trade rules oblige Canada to treat
foreign and domestic products on an equivalent basis. Thus, were a ban on
imports into Canada of cat and dog fur products to be contemplated, there would
also need to be a prohibition on the domestic sale, offering for sale,
manufacture, transportation and distribution of dog and cat fur in Canada."
<P></P>And so it seems that we cannot implement a ban on the import of foreign
dog and cat fur products because it might harm our domestic trade in these
items. Unbelievable. I wonder how many of your readers know that such a
disgusting trade is allowed to exist quite legally here in Canada.
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</HR><FONT face=helvetica,arial size=2><B>Margaret Bergshoeff,
</B>Markham</FONT></DIV></FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>