Inuit leaders in Canada say a proposed ban on products made from seals will hurt their economy.

The European Union plans to carve out an exception for products made by traditional Inuit sealers. But Inuit leaders say the ban will end up hurting their people..

"Whether we're exempted or not, it is going to kill our market and our hunter's ability to provide for his family. It's unacceptable," Inuit sealing activist Aaju Peter told CBC News.

Olayuk Akesuk, the environment minister for Nunavut, the autonomous Inuit territory in Canada, said animal rights groups are making biased statements about seal hunting.

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Canadian Inuit slam EU over proposed 'cruel hunting' seal product ban (CBC 7/24)