We boycott fish from
Canada and now we will do the same for syrup.

Posted by: Ellen and Kent | May 26, 2009 11:07 AM

I'm way ahead of you. Something about New Hampshire and Vermont maple syrup that is yummier. Especially if it comes from a small manufacture.

Posted by: Pepsi One is Fun | May 26, 2009 11:11 AM

So, your plan is to punish farmers, who work hard, and have a difficult enough time making ends meet as it is, by boycotting their product because of an industry they have no involvement in.

This makes no sense.

Posted by: Nemet | May 26, 2009 11:51 AM

I am a Canadian who is strongly against the seal slaughter, but the farmers who make maple syrup have nothing to do with the hunters who kill seals.

This boycott is a terrible idea; it just doesn't make sense.

Posted by: A Canadian Strongly Opposed to the Seal Slaughter | May 26, 2009 12:13 PM

Well i fully understand where your coming from, but these farmers work hard and deserve their pay, to boycott the government of canada, do something that relates to him, not something that has to destroy our "Trade Mark" and make canada disapear. We don't deserve it, if you are to try and boycott us do it Directly and not coward out by taking the little man out!

Posted by: Faith | May 26, 2009 12:27 PM

Nemet,

Hopefully this campaign will encourage the maple farmers to pressure their government to end the seal slaughter.

As far as i know, Canadian farmers have not mobilized to stop the tragedy. Maybe this will give them a jolt.

Posted by: Brad | May 26, 2009 12:35 PM

I am totally against the seal hunt....but boycotting a whole other industry....you'ree practically going against all canadians....and i'm quite offended by this now.....leave an innocent industry out of this....

Posted by: Chris | May 26, 2009 12:38 PM

I just posted this on a Hillary Clinton supporters site! Thank you, PETA. I will not be buying any maple syrup made in Canada.

Posted by: Curtis | May 26, 2009 12:54 PM

It's absolutely absurd to boycott and industry that has nothing to do with the killing of seals..
PETA is losing it..

Posted by: Greg | May 26, 2009 12:59 PM

Chris,

Do you have a better way to pressure Canada into ending the seal massacre?

As soon as all Canadians stand up and demand an end to the seal slaughter, the sooner the boycott will end.

Posted by: Brad | May 26, 2009 01:04 PM

As well i am a canadian totally against the sealhunt, but i don't think that attacking the maple syrup indusrty is the right course of action to take, By Boycotting the maple syrup industry you'll be greatly affecting the canadian economy and canadians against the seal hunt in return, if you wish to stop the seal hunt, protest in a way that won't be affecting anyone but the seal hunt and those directly affiliated with it.

Posted by: Sandra | May 26, 2009 01:04 PM

While I am sympathetic to the maple syrup farmers, I must side with the boycott. The rest of the world has tried for years to bring an end to the senseless and brutal slaughter of seals in Canada, yet the practice continues unabated. Perhaps it will take the engagement of a wider swath of Canadian voters and taxpayers to get the attention of their government and bring about the needed change. A short-term pinch in the pocketbook is preferable to what the seals endure, and I would encourage all Canadians to do their part to end this indefensible practice. Some things are more important than simple economics. This is a moral and ethical issue.

Posted by: Sheila | May 26, 2009 01:16 PM

The majority of Canadians are against the seal slaughter. What, I may ask, would boycotting maple syrup do to stop it? Nothing since they are two completely different industries. Want to stop the seal hunt? Boycott anything related to the seal hunt itself. Sign every petition you can find. Camp out on Stevie's front lawn with the remains of seals killed in the hunt. Throw a dead seal at him. (Hey, one of our former PM's got pied in the face. If I had a seal carcass and the opportunity, I'd "seal" this one.) But come on, syrup?

Posted by: pam | May 26, 2009 01:35 PM

I check every item of food I buy, and if it's from Canada, I will not buy it. Recently I put back the syrup I was buying, the Puffins cereal, some veggie hot dogs, I support PETA 100%!!

Posted by: Robert | May 26, 2009 01:54 PM

Hey I've got a perfect idea to stop the seal hunt...lets boycott hockey! Huh, right? Who's with me? It makes about as much sense as boycotting maple syrup. When the Montreal Canadiens are effectively barred from America, the seals will be safe.

Posted by: Bob | May 26, 2009 01:58 PM

Thanks for proving once again that Americans know nothing about Canada.

Yeah, maple syrup is a signature of ours, but it hardly supports our economy. Seriously, maple syrup makes up almost nothing of our total revenue, so all you'll be doing is hurting farmers who have nothing to do with the seal slaughter in the first place.

I'm all against the seal slaughter, but my god, you think people could simply google "Canadian economy" first or something before coming up with an inane plan and coming out like morons.

Posted by: Ebod | May 26, 2009 02:00 PM

I happen to be a Canadian maple syrup producer; who happens to think sealing is abhorrant...I do not support the sealing industry in any way, shape or form. The only thing that I might have in common with sealers is that I live in Canada.

Why are you attacking an industry that has nothing to do with treating animals un-ethically, and nothing to do with animals, period? I have been vegetarian for years, partly because of the ethical reasons...I thought you wanted to ENCOURAGE people to eat more plant products? (maple syrup is derived from maple trees, which are PLANTS!!!) This is like saying: "boycott canadian salad because of the canadian beef industry". Why on earth would you even attempt to infer any CONNECTION between seals and syrup?

I have always supported you guys, not only financially but also by lending my voice to the fight when I could...but now I see that you are turning on me; and even turning on your own stated philosophy about how people should ethically sustain themselves. I certainly won't be sending any more money to an organization that is trying to bankrupt me, and it would seem, singling out maple syrup producers purely out of spite. PETA is really "-CLUBBING- itself in the foot" this time.

I THINK I NEED A HAMBURGER...there! That's a perfect way for me to "boycott" PETA's unfair treatment of myself and other maple syrup producers...by killing a cow, grinding up it's flesh, burning it over hot coals, and serving it up on a sesame seed bun! After all: look at how that cow, and all other cows, supports PETA and it's unwarranted attacks on my children and I. That'll show those stupid cows.

You really lost me on this one guys...and in this economy, too. You lost me for good.

-

Posted by: Arwen Longe | May 26, 2009 02:26 PM

i´m against the slaughter and a PETA supporter but this makes no sense!
hard working farmers have nothing to do with this, and should´t pay for the consequences of ruthless government policies. this pledge is a public accusation to a nations people not their government and this is wrong!!

Posted by: pablo | May 26, 2009 02:33 PM

The best thing to do is boycott Canadian seafood it will hit the very industry's who are sealing in Canada.

Posted by: John Carmody | May 26, 2009 02:33 PM

I am opposed to the Seal slaughter.
however...
The Maple syrup farmers are one of the few truely "Green" agriculture producers, and they have NOTHING to do with Seals.
This is highly inappropriate and will alienate more people than it will garner support from.
First sex and vegetables, now this...
Remember the Animals PETA...!
Get back your focus if you want Support.
Thank You for reading.
Gary
in Tampa

Posted by: Gary | May 26, 2009 02:33 PM

I feel so strongly against this barbaric and so cruel slaughter of the seals in canada. this has to stop!!!!

Posted by: Deborah Ifrah Posluns | May 26, 2009 02:35 PM

Guys, you often have great ideas and hit the nail right on the head.

Keep your protests on topic though. Boycotting Canadian Maple Syrup? Are you idiots? You're making it very embarrassing to be a supporter of PETA when you come up with completely moronic and unrelated tie-ins.

Now stop this nonsense and find a better way to protest the seal hunt or I'm going to.... um... get my friends to band together and not eat any asparagus for the rest of the year. There. That should solve the problem.

Brian.

Posted by: Brian | May 26, 2009 02:46 PM

Ummm... I'm really confused here. Canadian Maple Syrup producers have nothing to do with the slaughter. They're actually producing a vegan product, which makes this boycott so confusing to me.

I'm a Canadian and don't know a single person (or other Canadian) who supports the slaughter, and I can't imagine how this boycott in any way is related... not to mention that maple syrup is nowhere close to our largest export. By boycotting maple syrup, this just buys into such an ongoing misnomer and stereotype about what it means to be Canadian - we don't all live in igloos in the snow, eat maple syrup every day and wear seal skins.

Wow... I'm totally boggled by the lack of logic behind this campaign, and disappointed in this stereotype! I've been a PETA member and veggie for years, and I support the campaign against the seal slaughter, but this particular boycott has be so very confused and disappointed!

Posted by: Lydia from BC, Canada | May 26, 2009 02:56 PM

@Brad
Hey Brad do you realize how big of a bumhole you just made PETA sound like?

So according to your logic even if they protest and they don't stop then that means their business is doomed. Great.

Posted by: Pepsi One is Fun | May 26, 2009 03:25 PM

Ebod and others who are like me and going "What the...?" this is PETA and a lot of things simply do not make sense anymore. But, sometimes common sense gets shut down here.

Yes, there are some wonderful people here who are like me and detest the killing of animals for ONE thing, such as furs or musk glands or such.

However, there are some who go to the extreme and think something like this would work. All that said, this could work, but instead backlash on the American public. What's not to say that Canada would boycott some American imports for the same reason? It's a huge and potentially devastating economic effect on BOTH sides and all over seals.

Posted by: Mel | May 26, 2009 03:25 PM

If we stop the seal hunt, the seals devastate the fish population. Have you guys ever even heard of the naturalistic fallacy?

Also, damning the maple syrup industry will result in a whole lot of unused trees that will likely be cut down, damaging the wildlife even further.

Anyways, if you think you can bully Canada, bring it. The rest of the rational world is behind us (and seriously, the maple syrup industry?).

Posted by: Liam | May 26, 2009 03:27 PM

Maybe its because I buy my syrup locally that I didn't know this but if its true that the majority of maple farms in Canda are local mom and pop operations then I'm not so sure if this is a great idea.

Some people say that it will convince maple farmers to protest but did you ever think telling them about it might work better instead of hurting them financially?

Posted by: Pepsi One is Fun | May 26, 2009 03:36 PM

Governor General eats raw seal heart to support hunters
Source: www.montrealgazette.com
Canada’s Governor General began her Arctic tour by gutting a freshly slaughtered seal and eating a slice of its raw heart, according to media reports.

Posted by: Dee MacDonald | May 26, 2009 03:39 PM

nemet, A Canadian Strongly Opposed To Seal Slaughter, faith, chris, greg, Brian, Pam, sandra, bob, ebond, Arwen Longe, pablo, gary... think. This is kind of important, saving adorable seals, so why not do everything in our power to stop it, hmm? If you strongly support something, you do everything you can to save it. Like your family. If someone was trying to take everything away from your family, then kill them (A-hem, Obama- J.K.!!!!!!) wouldn't you try to slowly work your way from the bottom up to stop the opposer? Start with the lower bodies to convince government you're coming. Go up their food chain, to show them you mean bussiness. Take down the top, and tell them to either cut it out, or suffer dire consequences. It's like a pyramid. To make it collapse, do you start at the bottom, or top?

Posted by: Vegetariansmakebetterlovers | May 26, 2009 03:41 PM

please connect seals and syrup. You are talking about impacting small farmers by boycotting their commodity when most, if not all, have never killed a seal. This seems like a contrived, almost quixotic "cause"

Posted by: Tom | May 26, 2009 04:09 PM

Although I appreciate much of the hard work and strong voice gives to those who can't speak for themselves, PETA's latest boycott of maple syrup for the seals is just plain stupid.

I mean really, maple syrup and seals?

I will continue to buy Canadian maple products, and support the forest/maple workers many of whom are small, independent farmers. Get a grip PETA.

I'm removing myself from any PETA support until you stop this campaign.

Try a small amount of Canadian maple in your coffee in lieu of sugar.
Mmmmmmmmmmmmm good!

Posted by: Gregor Wilson | May 26, 2009 04:12 PM

I want the seal hunt to end so badly that I immediately signed my name to the boycott of Maple Syrup, but after thinking about it I regret doing it. Like many people said here, these farmers have NOTHING to do with the seal hunt and are farming syrup not animals, so we should not go after them.
We should step up the boycott of Canadian seafood or tourism to Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec. Please, leave Maple farmers alone.

Posted by: NT | May 26, 2009 04:17 PM

Boycotting maple syrup isn't going to stop the government all thats going to do is make farmers go broke, thus less vegetables you would need to actually do something towards the government, and yes i am canadian.

Posted by: Ty | May 26, 2009 04:32 PM

We would like the Canadian government to abolish the slaughter of seals but how does boycotting another industry’s product help this cause?

I know that many who produce maple syrup are against the massacre of seals – won’t such a boycott alienate our supporters in Canada?

Similar to the gays seeking rights in San Francisco, they blocked the Golden Gate Bridge – instead of bring attention to their cause and educating the public, they alienated the public.

Boycotting maple syrup distracts from our actual cause, alienates those who would otherwise be supportive, and fails to affect the seal hunters and the buyers and manufacturers of seal skin.

Please rethink how we choose our targets to further animal rights.

Posted by: Michael Gadoua | May 26, 2009 04:50 PM

This is an excellent idea.

When I see Canadian maple syrup farmers marching on the capital demanding an end to the seal slaughter I will resume buying their syrup.

Posted by: Brad | May 26, 2009 05:14 PM

And not just the boycotts of Canadian seafood, but of tourism, and other products and the hostility that many people are starting to feel towards Canada...when the massacre ends that will end. You see if it doesn't.

Posted by: Neil Warne | May 26, 2009 05:22 PM

Oh my God, I just saw this in the news and I think it needs to be countered.
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/090526/national/gov_gen_arctic

I don't know how to contact PETA, so I just posted it here.

Posted by: Mandy | May 26, 2009 06:14 PM

Don't worry Canadian syrup farmers, I will not boycott you for this. I think that the slaughter of seals is disgustingly sick and needs to be stopped by Canadians, and other countries that allow such behavior to continue, but boycotting syrup for this makes no sense.
This does not help the cause.

Posted by: dee | May 26, 2009 06:33 PM

Ok.
So I was not sure what I thought of this. At first I thought: "this makes no sense, what does maple syrup have to do with the seal hunt."

Then I thought well Maple Syrup is a symbol of Canada (I mean no disrespect to Vermont Maple Syrup producers, but our Canadian Maple syrup is just well, the real deal :-)

So it being a symbol of Canada, it becomes almost symbolic, so I thought, "ok this boycott makes sense."

then I read what some others posted, and the most convincing points are:

maple syrup is a pretty "green" industry.

maple syrup is vegan.

maple syrup producers are mostly small poor farmers.

then I realized that this is a VERY bad idea. The boycott of seafood makes sense, because seafood comes from the same place as the seals.

Boycotting tourism to newfoundland also makes sense.

But this does not.
I am Canadian and I am still a PETA supporter (no need to be sooooo dramatic people and to say that you are going to stop supporting PETA just because you don't agree with one campaign, guess what people! PETA staffers are people just like you, they are not perfect and they can come up with bad ideas, jeeesh)

So, I am still very much a PETA supporter, but PETA, please stop this maple syrup boycott campaign. It is a bad idea.

The Olympic campaign is great!

But I will go out right now and buy a big ol' jar of Canadian (preferably Québec) Maple syrup.

P.S.: and as for the vegetarian maple farmer who will kill a cow out of spite against PETA, well if you are willing to give up what you supposedly believe in and kill an innocent animal just because you don't agree with a PETA campaign, then dare I say, you don't have much self-respect.

Posted by: Antoine | May 26, 2009 06:37 PM

I am Canadian and i a m opposed to the seal slaughter but boycotting maple syrup has nothing to do with saving seals. I have offically removed myself from your email list and will not be visiting your site anymore... this boycott will only be hurting farmers who have nothing to do with the seal hunt

Posted by: sarah hancock | May 26, 2009 07:15 PM

not only will we be boycotting Canadian Maple Syrup but we will be boycotting anything from Canada.
I am all for a boycott of the United States when our military attacked and occupied Iraq. Yep I will gladly sink with my country if it is doing something corrupt and cruel.
So WTF is wrong with some of you whiners who can not handle a Canadian Maple Syrup boycott? Take a hit, yes even a personal hit, to stop animal cruelty.
i want you to remember John Robbins who gave up a multi-million dollar icecream empire because he had the balls to do what is right. he realized the cows were being brutalized to make icecream and took a personal hit to do what is right.
remember your priorities, life is more important than money! Grow some balls!

and to that cad who says he will start eating cows because PETA is boycotting maple syrup..if your ethics are that conditional...you never had empathy anyway so really who cares what you do. maybe next you will threaten to dunk your head in a toilet.

Posted by: Missy | May 26, 2009 07:23 PM

why would you boycott canadian maple syrup when the people whose lively hood depend on this product. They don't slaughter the bloody seal. That would be like someone cutting off your livelyhood because you like the seals. Get a brain and think about this type of stupidity. Find something else to do with your stupid life

Posted by: Jollean | May 26, 2009 07:54 PM

Boycotting Maple Syrup? What the hell is wrong with you PETA, I'm an ardent vegan and supporter of animal rights, I even volunteer at the local humane society and have been partaking in efforts to stop the seal hunt. But this? You've gone way too far.

Like someone else said, why don't you boycott hockey while you're at it, it will make just as much sense.

You've completely lost it AND my support, and you can bet that I will be sharing my feelings about this with anyone who can listen.

Posted by: Philippe Cotter | May 26, 2009 08:09 PM

In my anger I forgot to mention perhaps the most important point.

Canada doesn't need america to buy it's maple syrup. I read an article from La Presse not too long ago stating that demand for maple syrup within Quebec was growing faster than what producers could provide them with, and as such prices were going up.

So you know what, PETA's short sighted reactionary measures will have absolutely no effect on the Canadian economy. All of the maple syrup will be sold, and the farmers will feel absolutely nothing.

Good job at showing the world how ignorant you really are. Maybe you should start boycotting oil while we're generating ideas for you guys, I'm sure it will be just as effective.

Posted by: Philippe Cotter | May 26, 2009 08:19 PM

Thank you?
Thank you for insulting my traditional way of life. Thank you for disregarding my heritage.
While others pollute my air and water, tear down my forests and destroy my family farms in order to build sub-divisions, I at least have the honesty to live with my environment. I've taken life to feed myself, I've taken it with respect and ethically.
So I say, thank you for showing me why I must fight harder than ever to preserve my way of life.

Posted by: Dave | May 26, 2009 08:29 PM

Other slaughters to boycott:

Foie gras (that's where they force feed geese so we can eat pâté).

Beef/pork/chicken (that's where they kill animals so we can eat their meat).

Such hypocracy!!

Killing baby seals? It's illegal, you know. Don't be pulled in by the false information.

Posted by: lookingup | May 26, 2009 08:47 PM

Brad...

"When I see Canadian maple syrup farmers marching on the capital demanding an end to the seal slaughter I will resume buying their syrup."

Really?!? That's like saying "Chefs - we're going to boycott all of your restaurants until you march on Washington to protest evil accountants" or some such insantity. There is no logical connection between the two industries aside from the countries in which they occur.

Why not boycott the companies which purchase and use sealskins for their products?!? Why not address the economic needs of those who are in the trade and offer them training in alternative occupations so they can see that they aren't dependant on this?!?

There are so many strong and logical options to protest this stupid hunt - the "logic" of going after maple syrup of all things is so pathetic. Most PETA boycotts make sense; like "Don't buy dog food from Iams to get Iams to stop animal testing"... or "Don't eat at KFC to protest what they allow their suppliers to do"... this one, however, is very very disappointing.

Instead of supoprting the green, vegan products of Canada, we'll boycott them to protest how somebody else in a totally separate industry is behaving. Super smart.

We're all obviously opposed to the seal hunt. It's terrible, but you're not going to change one industry by attacking people in another. Go after the government - go after the fishing industry - go after anything vaguely related... but what the heck?!? Maple syrup farmers?!?

Random.

Posted by: Lydia from BC, Canada | May 26, 2009 09:26 PM

Thanks for giving me yet another reason to boycott AMERICAN products.

Hurt CDN mom & pop sugarbushes to punish sealers in newfoundland?

Brilliant...

Posted by: bruce2112 | May 26, 2009 09:31 PM

It is a legitimate way of sending a message to Canada by boycotting something Canada is known for.

AND how about all the OTHER farmers who get helped by THEIR syrup being purchased, instead, right? In fact, maybe PETA can recommend a great syrup product to buy instead. How about Vermont maple syrup or something? Maybe PETA can set up a deal with a coupon link from PETA's website to a syrup that is not from Canada!

Posted by: drew | May 26, 2009 09:41 PM

Do you people not know that the seal hunt is a way of life for these people. Thier very survival depends on it. They use every part of this animal , Nothing is wasted. Why would you want to harm people's livlyhoods .

Posted by: Bill Allen | May 26, 2009 10:34 PM

Oh no..the Canadian military industrial maple syrup complex!! Get the hell out of your parents basements, and figure out what the world's really about!

Posted by: Kriilin Namek | May 26, 2009 10:37 PM

This makes absolutely no sense. Why should we boycott Canadian syrup and hurt the farmers who have nothing to do with the situation? And why should we force them to protest?

Not very fair, in my opinion. We give up some syrup and they pay the price? I want the seals to stop dying as much as anyone, but this is WRONG.

Posted by: Shiloh | May 27, 2009 12:24 AM

I will never support PETA as this instance exemplifies the shortsightedness of the organization. I am offended as a Canadian (who has never even seen a seal, supported the seal industry, i dont even know anyone in the industry) In fact, we're talking about a $13mil industry which is peanuts in comparison to GDP.

I am mostly dissapointed in the fact that this organization is so quick to 1.relate 2 very different (geographically and otherwise) industries, and punish one because of another's action 2.spread rhetoric about a group of people based on something that a minute % of the population does.

I don't necesarily support this industry because i dont eat seal meat or wear seal pelts, but i don't believe there is a reason to stop hunting these animals as long as it is done in a sustainable and humane manner. I think some of us forget where we get much of our food from when we start complaining about one specific way of killing animals.

The maple syrop industry is also not a very large part of GDP. If one was to do some due diligence they would realize that energy and commodity exports are where we make money.

I believe that having a cause is important, but one must determine if it is 1.a cause that needs to be faught 2. why we are fighting the cause 3. how can we effectively fight this cause without negatively affecting bystanders.

RESPECT for everyone, OPEN your eyes and see true motive

Posted by: Andrew Hamilton | May 27, 2009 12:30 AM

As a Canadian, I think Americans must think very hard of what to boycott if PETA wants to really make a stand. Boycotting mom & pop operations will do nothing. As for a tourism boycott that will take in effect Jun 1st with the new passport requirements needed to cross the boarder. Since most Americans do not have passports that in effect will keep millions of Americans out of Canada. For any boycott to work you must pick the right industries. History has shown that to get the biggest bang for your dollar go after the multinationals. What better boycott than picket ConEd or other importers of natural gas or importers of hydro. This way the fat cats are the ones who become the target and look what they did to Wall Street.

Posted by: Graham Brown | May 27, 2009 01:11 AM

I was planning a trip to Canada in 2010.

I cancelled and do not buy any Canadian products.

Posted by: My_Friend_The_Enemy | May 27, 2009 02:17 AM

i wont be doing this. why boycott maple? its stupid punish people for what they havnt done. i used to be big into peta but with more weird ideas. not so much

Posted by: David | May 27, 2009 04:44 AM

I agree with many of the commenters above. It is ridiculous to punish a farming community that have nothing to do with the seal hunt.

You can't expect an unrelated community of mostly small producers to take on this fight in response. More likely, you'll see a backlash and anti-PETA stance.

Give your heads a shake.

I support PETA, but not this fight.

Posted by: Karen | May 27, 2009 07:41 AM

this seems more like an attack on canada than anything else.

Maybe when you boycott canada's maple syrup, canada will stop sending their oil to the US ? then you can go and destroy your own coast line to heat your house.

maybe when you put the farmers out of business they too will go and hunt seal or bears since they wont have any other way to eat.

what do farmers have to do with maple syrup?

dumb idea. have fun making enemies north of the border.

Posted by: tucker | May 27, 2009 11:41 AM

so in order to stop people from eating meat, you are going to put farmers out of business. that is the best idea ive ever heard. really it is. you guys are so smart.

whats next ?

by the way killing of 'baby seals' are already illegal in canada. Lend yourself some credibility by being honest. please.

Posted by: tg | May 27, 2009 11:51 AM

I think we sometimes need a friendly reminder about the bigger issues and problems in our world today that affect mankind. Millions of children and adults alike suffer in 3rd world countries due to starvation. I'm sure they would love to eat a seal's heart right about now, but they're not given that option. You very rarely hear about their struggles on the news, but boycotting syrup to protect seals? This issue takes centre stage? UNREAL. I think if PETA wants to be successful and gain more support they should change their name and cause to PETH (Protection and Ethical Treatment of HUMANS)

BTW....I own a fur coat and wear it with pride, because it was donated to me by Inuits who consumed all parts of the animal before they slaughtered it.

Posted by: Eva | May 27, 2009 12:39 PM

As a Canadian who is very opposed to the seal hunt, most Canadians are.. I think that you have really step back and reconsider your boycott of Maple Syrup.. It's illogical, the maple syrup industry and the seal hunt are not connected at all, other than the fact that they are both Canadian. I think I'll start a boycott of airplanes, steel, weapons, electronics, automobiles and information technology because the unfair treatment of pigs,cows and hens in your country.

Posted by: Devon | May 27, 2009 12:58 PM

What do seals have to do with maple syrup?

This boycott is pure lunacy, and is undermining the credibility of the cause.
I will not support this boycott. As a matter of fact, i am going to the store right now and buying a few bottles.

Posted by: raoul duke | May 27, 2009 01:14 PM

Bill Allen, really?? That's why they skin them and leave their corpses' to rot on the ice flows. It's ignorant people like you that this slaughter continues and have to go to extemes in order for everyone to listen!! Do you think Peta wants to do this!? They would rather the MURDERING of innocent seals for no reason BUT to wear THEIR pelts and make silly fur figurine animals out of be a thing of the past!! Boycotting seafood didn't work, pinching the governments a** didn't work, crying and emailing doesn't work!! Make people see in the good ol' US of A that people won't stand for it anymore!! Don't worry Canadian maple syurp will be around alot longer then you think regardless of the boycott!! Yes I'm Canadian!!

Posted by: Carla | May 27, 2009 01:43 PM

So I came here expecting this to be a parody site and much to my amusement it was an ultra-parody site. To read people suggesting that maple syrup producers should be the spearhead used to stop the seal hunt is something even Monty Python would have considered too far fetched. I'm waiting for someone to break out into the "Lumberjack Song" but until then I will continue to marvel at how PETA seems unable to miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity.

Posted by: Blair | May 27, 2009 03:10 PM

PETA, this is an absolutly ridiculous and nonsensical campaign. Why would you want to boycott a natural, vegan product that is widely used as a natural sweetner in delicious vegan baking, and punish an industry that has NO LINK WHATSOEVER to the seal hunt? I am Canadian and will not support PETA any longer. You are making your supporters look stupid, along with yourselves.

Posted by: Maddison | May 27, 2009 05:15 PM

I'm deeply against seal hunting but I find this measure utterly stupid. As a Canadian who live in a family of Maple Sirup producers, I ca tell you're not hitting the good guys.

I find it weird to attack Maple Sirup producer. It is a market that is tough and small producer will be hurt by such action.

What's the point in harming those honest producers? These aren't the one who kill seals they're just trying to live with their small industry. What if we stopped buying oranges from California to stop war in Irak? It would make no sense.

Please reconsider your actions. There must be a way to make some noise without making collateral damage.

It's like blowing up buses for the liberation of a state, there's no point in doing that. Yes it makes people talk, but the wrong people are aimed here.

Posted by: Pier-André | May 27, 2009 05:19 PM

This boycott is completely ridiculous and irrational. Maple syrup has nothing to do with seals. This boycott will only hurt small farmers and family businesses that currently produce the syrup and will do nothing about the seal hunt. It makes no sense to treat Canada as you would one small company responsible for an inhumane practice. Would it make sense to boycott rice (or another random product) produced in the USA because some completely unrelated industry in the USA like the entertainment industry is responsible for some inhumane treatment of animals? No. Therefore, I DO NOT SUPPORT THIS BOYCOTT and I urge others to disregard it as well.

Posted by: Anna | May 27, 2009 05:53 PM

Maple syrup production has nothing to do with seal slaughter. I usually approve of Peta's campaigns, but this one is totally unfunded and useless.

Posted by: Demi | May 27, 2009 06:09 PM

Ummm.... I understand PETAs work, and I understand the need for PETA to bring this into the publics light, but Maple Syrup, the processing of Maple Syrup and certainly not the farmers are responsible for killing baby seals. As a Canadian I can say this hurts the wrong people. It's not hurting the sealers, it hurts Maple tree farmers, and it is wrong.

The Sealers are still getting paid for what they do, and farmers are taking a dip in sales. I also noticed the log is the Maple leaf painted in blood, nice touch. The next campaign can be "Maple Syrup is murder." or something rediculous like that.

Posted by: Jamie | May 27, 2009 06:09 PM

I'm going to side with seal hunting because the last web-site I went to was pro-hunting and they didn't require my email address.

Yes I realize that makes about as much sense as this boycott.

But no, seriously, if seals aren't strong enough to fend for themselves and if they don't want to "get busy" enough and procreate, then they deserve to go extinct.

Ok now seriously...
actually no I'm done.

Posted by: Jonny | May 27, 2009 06:54 PM

I am all for stopping this needless killing but boycotting Canadian Maple Syrup would also be killing allot of the lively hood of many farmers. One has nothing to do with the other.
It is like punishing a child for something that a stranger did in the next town!
Where is the logic in this?
I will not be partaking in this boycott.

Posted by: Cynthia | May 27, 2009 07:51 PM

Absolutely wrong target!!! I have emailed the Ontario Maple Syrup Association with this information and will support THEM in boycotting the boycott! Enough is enough! Target the correct industry.

Signed,
A proud Canadian (who doesn't care for maple syrup, but is not looking to boycott an innocent industry)

Posted by: Jackie W. | May 27, 2009 08:18 PM

I cannot believe the stupidity in banning eating of maple syrup because of seals. There is no rationality to this type of effort. This is why people have negative feelings about the group PETA. You do a lot of good work, but seriously this is STUPID. You are harming a group of people who have nothing to do with killing of seals by boycotting their product, and natural canadian maple syrup is actually better for you than American crap. If you are going to punish anyone punish the industry that kills the seals, not innocent maple syrup producers. I agree that the seal hunt is wrong, but this is not the answer.

Posted by: lois dewar | May 27, 2009 08:23 PM

I'm taking it one step further and boycotting all industries who have nothing to with the seal hunt, just to teach everyone a lesson! wait.. that doesn't make any sense does it?

Posted by: Mike | May 27, 2009 08:56 PM

First...Why should'nt we boycott Mc Donalds,Wendy's,Pizza Hut,Burger King,PFK and OGM products?These lovely industries are sooooooo worse than seal hunting(by the way seals are overpopulating)..You talk about some bloody murderers that cultivate maple syrup when you have these bas**rds in your country?I have no doubt that american maple syrup is filled with chemical products..I have no doubt that somebody could get cancer by consumming american maple syrup..This is a crime..I'm afraid that people will start to boycott PETA with these nonsense ideas...

This is my word
Adam

Posted by: adam brunelle | May 27, 2009 09:28 PM

Bill Allen.
1. You have been confused by government propaganda. The government wants to blur the line between the COMMERCIAL seal hunt and the Inuit "subsistence" hunt. The COMMERCIAL seal hunt is not done by Inuits. It is done by Newfoundlanders. And they make very little money out of it.

All they want is the fur and they dump the animals bodies on the ice.

THEY DO NOT USE ALL THE ANIMALS.

And they have no respect for the animals.

2. Seals are not the livelihood for ANY inuits in 2009. They all live in heated houses, not igloos, they all drive SUVs and ATVs, no sleds. They all have big screen TVs and toasters.

Inuits do not eat seal they eat hamburgers and fries.

Once in a while they hunt seals for "traditional" reasons only.

At best sealing is a "traditionnal" hobby for Inuits.

Posted by: Antoine | May 27, 2009 10:34 PM

Given the place that maple syrup has in the daily breakfast of many vegetarians, or at least us those of us in Canada, could you not have picked something a little more....hmmm.... thoughtful and/or appropriate to boycott? How about something like....oh I don't know.... hockey, "socialized" healthcare, Saskatoon berries, wild rice, canola, or even uniquely Canadian TV series such as Corner Gas or reruns of Kids in the Hall. How about boycotting our oil and gas from the Alberta tarsands; you know, something really meaningful and relevant?

Boycotting maple syrup and their suppliers (many of whom might just be card-carrying vegetarians, vegans, and PETA supporters) seems a little misplaced and short-sighted, don't ya think, eh?

Posted by: David Adams | May 27, 2009 10:40 PM

Boycotting maple syrup farmers makes no sense... they do no harm to any type of animal.

Hey, I have a great idea, why don't you Americans boycott the fresh water or power that you buy from us?

Posted by: Adrienne | May 27, 2009 11:44 PM

No more maple syrup for our family....we're with the seals!

Posted by: linda (Canada) | May 28, 2009 04:26 AM

Eva, Perhaps you should take your fur coat (which I'm sure is just ATTRACTIVE) and go help the starving kids and adults in 3rd world countries.

I'm not sure how I feel about this boycott yet. There are definitely some good points made. I understand putting pressure on the people that live there in hopes to make some change...... but I too fail to see the connection. I think I'm in more support of boycotting the Olympics being held in Canada rather than this syrup crusade.

Posted by: Tamra | May 28, 2009 10:43 AM

I guess the people who have decided to boycott Maple syrup don't realise that it is a specialty item produced by a cottage industry in Canada just as it is in New Hapshire and Vermont and Maine. In fact it is mainly harvested by lone families in New Brunswick Nova Scotia and Quebec, all the provinces that border on the north eastern USA. What they have to do with the seal hunt is zero. Also they are a very small group of people. It will affect only them and have no impression what so ever on the Canadian economy.
I have been a member of Care2 for many years. Now that I realise how stupid and mean this little boycott is, I am beginning to wonder how many other causes that I have supported have been just as stupid based on incorrect information??? When you don't know the facts you are blind. I guess I have been hoodwinked by Care2 all along.
Perhaps it's time I cancelled my email access.

Posted by: Lynne FitzGerald | May 28, 2009 03:43 PM

I read labels and if I see any info such as "Product of Canada" or "Made in Canada" I won't buy the product, no matter what it is!

Posted by: erin snyder | May 28, 2009 04:22 PM

Boycotting ALL exports from Canada is a good idea to send ALL Canadians a message about ignoring the cruelty happening in their own country. Furthermore, maybe if the Maple Syrup Industry would donate $1.00 from every maple syprup sale to help to help stop the seal slaughter they could abolish the blight that the seal hunt puts on Canada. This goes for other Canadian Industries as well. Canadians know better and they know its wrong but in many cases they just don't care until it affects their personal finances. Most Canadians will never see a seal in their whole lifetime, much less a seal slaughter... and thats why the cruelty continues... BTW I'm Canadian and I prefer Aunt Jemima but if the Maple Syrup peole give a little help to the cause, I may throw some money their way too. And thats money I would have spent on Aunt Jemima otherwise. The maple syrup people could make lemonade out of lemons if they cared about the Seal slaughter. All it takes is to show some compassion. I'm curious and hopeful to see what happens.

Posted by: dani3 | May 28, 2009 04:57 PM

I am a great supporter for PETA and what this organization has done for the innocent lives of other animals. I have to disagree about the boycott though. I am Canadian and I have always been upset with the Canadians supporting this slaughter every year. I am a great lover for Maple Syrup and there are many small Maple syrup operations across Canada that doesn't deserve to be the "Whipping-boy" for this issue. I believe that it is the fashion industry and other countries that find parts of seals a delicusy to eat to be at fault. Also the government has not brought it up becuase it is political suicide( just like gay marriage in the USA). Letting it be known to the public that the seal slaughter is going on is the best way. Boycotting Maple Syrup is just silly. Maple Syrup industries don't have the power to make the government change this. Go to the Oil industry in Western Canada. They have more power to change things. Stop driving your cars and stop buying plastic products becuase most of your fuel is coming from us anyway. You just picked the maple syrup becuase it is an easier target..not fare.

Posted by: Canadiangirl | May 28, 2009 06:18 PM

Because of this stupid and mean boycott of innocent people I have lost total confidence in both PETA and Care2. Two organizations that I have supported for years. I have never heard so many really stupid comments about a cause before. For God's sake boycott the Canadian Winter olympics or something. How can boycotting the products of a few farmers who own a stand of maple trees make any sense in the big picture. I am so disappointed in PETA and Care2 that I am going to resign from their maling lists to find another group which knows how to protest for just causes in an intelligent way. This whole maple syrup thing is a sad joke. Most of the maple syrup sold in the United States is not real anyway, it's got artificial flavoring. Make sure you read the label. LOL you wouldn't want to be boycotting artificial maple syrup.
Give it up

Posted by: Lynne FitzGerald | May 28, 2009 06:33 PM

I am a great supporter for PETA and what this organization has done for the innocent lives of other animals. I have to disagree about the boycott though. I am Canadian and I have always been upset with the Canadians supporting this slaughter every year. I am a great lover for Maple Syrup and there are many small Maple syrup operations across Canada that doesn't deserve to be the "Whipping-boy" for this issue. I believe that it is the fashion industry and other countries that find parts of seals a delicusy to eat to be at fault. Also the government has not brought it up becuase it is political suicide( just like gay marriage in the USA). Letting it be known to the public that the seal slaughter is going on is the best way. Boycotting Maple Syrup is just silly. Maple Syrup industries don't have the power to make the government change this. Go to the Oil industry in Western Canada. They have more power to change things. Stop driving your cars and stop buying plastic products becuase most of your fuel is coming from us anyway. You just picked the maple syrup becuase it is an easier target..not fare.

Posted by: Canadiangirl | May 28, 2009 07:49 PM

I'm going to boycott hockey. That will show them.

Retarded ideas like this are why the majority of people mock PETA, despite its greatly benevolent causes.

Posted by: Kevin | May 28, 2009 08:42 PM

This is the dumbest thing I've ever herd! It is campaigns like this that make me hang my head in shame to even be associated with Peta.
/sigh
I do love Peta and agree with the causes we support but some times I wonder what you staff we're thinking. We Canadians don't boycott every thing American for the injudicious in your country.

Posted by: Joanna | May 28, 2009 09:10 PM

I can't believe this, boycot maple syrup. You're talking about apples vs oranges. It makes no sense what so ever. I don't know who started this campaign but I think they have their head in the sand. Destroy an industry that has nothing to do with seal hunting. You are gaining ground with the seal hunt boycot so why not stay with a tried and true method that makes sense or did you miss that European countries are considering a ban on seal fur. I've always supported peta but this is ridiculous.

Posted by: dot | May 28, 2009 10:34 PM

First off, I'm Canadian and I'm vegetarian, and I do not support the seal industry.

I've been reading most of the comments here and 98% of the people seem to be sane enough to realize that this is wrong. Wrong target. Wrong people paying for it. The most ideal target for this boycott would be seal products or even the fishing industry.

As for the 2% of Americans that have stated that this boycott is a good idea, have cancelled their trips to Canada etc, etc. I'm going to reciprocate. I have no plans to visit the USA while this boycott is in place and have no intentions of buying American products. Which is a shame because I had planned on going to Florida to help out at a big cat sanctuary.

I would not have signed up with PETA if I didn't think it was worthwhile. They've really opened my eyes and have done great works, but this is the straw that broke the camels back. I'll be sure to inform as many Canadians as possible about this and hopefully once you've got enough of an angry uproar you'll realize that this is wrong.

I expect a retraction or apology from PETA to Canadians (specifically the maple farm industry)over this issue as well.

Thoroughly disgusted,
Jaime

Posted by: PETA say sorry now? | May 29, 2009 12:34 PM

What the hell was PETA thinking? I have been a long time PETA supporter and actually signed this petition without reading the full content because I had complete trust, faith and respect for PETA. This is the first time I have found myself feeling embarrased to be a PETA supporter. I am going to chalk this one up to a big mistake on PETA's part and am hoping to hear a public apology very soon. This is just WRONG. Boycotting an industry that has absolutely nothing to do with the seal hunt in any way and in fact is not made with any animal by-products is completely unacceptable. PETA...please take action to correct this! Janet Rogers, Vancouver, BC

Posted by: Janet Rogers | May 30, 2009 12:43 AM

American PETA supporters should instead boycott the next Vancouver Winter Olympics.....

More tickets for us sane people....

Posted by: James W. | May 30, 2009 11:04 AM

There are many ways to support the welfare of animals. I don't have to look like a moron through PETA to do so. Peta is an organization that has people send in there money and flash the PETA name, only to have themselves look stupid because of idiots that come up with non-sense ideas like this one, that don't help the animals and, is more of a shot to Canadians. How dare you take money from Canadians and maple syrup makers, only to slap them in the face with it. oh, and by the way, do you actually think Canada needs the U.S. to make money from there maple syrup??! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I have a full jug of Canadian maple syrup in my fridge but, I think I'm going to go out and buy another one!

Posted by: Kim | May 30, 2009 11:57 AM

Well...I think this behavior of boycotting maple syrup from Canada is completely wrong! First off this, like alot of posters said, this is targetting the wrong industry. Americans have been boycotting loads of products and byproducts from Canada for years. Take for example when America Boycotted Canadian beef due to mad cow disease, for which only one case has been diagnosed within Alberta (who might have been infected from bonemeal imported from USA). Another example was the boycott of Canadian lumber. Sometimes I'm just wondering what the hell is wrong with American radicalists! Sometimes i wish Canada was as self-sufficient as Switzerland ... I hope some people should get their heads checked out!

Posted by: pat | May 31, 2009 10:25 AM

If you're vegetarian and not supporting the seal industry, I understand. But if your not vegetarian, and eating meat, well it's a real non sense.

PETA is acting like real idiots by asking people to boycott a industry not related to the seal industry. Do you think people from the maple industry will take the plan or the boat to ask the people on the seal industry to stop? Well if you are, you live in a miracle world.

I hope one day people will realize the brainwash PETA is doing to them and will finally see why seal hunting is important.

Posted by: Georges | May 31, 2009 02:31 PM

Please, think about this and stop the campaign.

How credible can you be with comments like this: If your local eatery is already using American maple syrup, (...) thank the owner that no seal blood was spilled for your breakfast or brinner.

Come on, let's be serious...

Posted by: Eric | May 31, 2009 05:26 PM

you guys, stop sippin on the haterade, these animals get enough b.s. as it is so peta i suggest that you DON'T stop th campain and good luck:)
those others hater out there, shuv some tofu down your throats!!
-best regards!
-Ayla

Posted by: Ayla Carlson | June 1, 2009 10:24 AM

You americans a so ridicule.

How can hurting maple producer do anything to help against seal hunt? It only show how short sighted you are.

And even the seal hunt is nothing to be worried, it has been proven that they died instatly. How is it different from slaughering baby lamb? The only difference is that the blood in on the ice, instead of on the floor of a hidden slaughterhouse.

An Europe has no lesson to teach us, with their corrida where they put animals to death after long suffering.

Posted by: Christian Rioux | June 1, 2009 11:07 AM

Boycotting canadian maple syrup is a major mistake that will backfire, why ?

Most canadian maple syrup is produced in Québec which holds a 40% separatist population, the rest of Canada is not very favorable to Québec, that boycott will only serve the separatist cause and if Québec becomes an independant nation they certainly will hunt seals because they will need any revenue possible.

Posted by: Pierre | June 1, 2009 11:27 AM

Canada. How about you stop moaning on how ridiculous Peta is to boycot Maple syrup and How about You get up of your lazy asses and do something to stop this unforgivable sadistic slaughter of seals ?? You have big mouthes Canada and No Action. At least Peta are doing all in their power to stop this heartless torture and What are you doing ? Not enough Canada to stop this terrible crime. You need a Big kick in the ass. Can you imagine how these poor animals must suffer, To suffer is the worst thing Ever. Can you imagine having your skull bashed in. Have a heart. And take Action Now. You are known in Switzerland as Canadian heartless Monsters. Yes Monsters.

Posted by: Linda | June 9, 2009 09:46 AM

@ Stephanie Heffernan: Thanks for your comment. We will be responding to it via e-mail shortly.

Posted by: Shawna Flavell | June 22, 2009 04:32 PM

I live in the UK so boycotting Canadian products is about all I can do to help stop the cruelty. Anyway, all Canadians should share some of the guilt, including the syrup farmers.

Posted by: Stan Berry | June 27, 2009 09:31 AM

@Linda

Although you believe all Canadians are heartless unsympathetic monsters it ain't true. Most Canadians hate the "hunt" trust me. The EU ban means the massacre will end soon. And when it does I am sincerely hoping that this awful hostility towards Canada will die with it. It's bloody shocking, please get a grip or I will have to channel my energies into supporting HSUS, I have not heard them implying "all Canadians are heartless" etc.

Posted by: Neil Warne | June 27, 2009 10:03 PM

We should boycott anything from Canada. I just purchased some maple syrup from a small family farm in New Hampshire and will continue to do so.

Posted by: Cory Moshman | August 1, 2009 11:06 AM

Yes, I will boycott anything Canadian and I thought supporters should boycott the Olympics as well. If you Canadians are so against the seal slaughter, you should write enmass to your elected officials telling them so. I did write a letter to your officials and asked others to do the same. Stop killing the innocent seals in a barbaric manner!

Posted by: Cory Moshman | August 3, 2009 04:11 PM

I strongly support oppose the torture of animals for any reason. However, Canadian maple producers, many of them poor farmers, have little lobbying force with the government, and are in no position to have an effect on the seal hunts. This proposed boycott is myopic and stupid. It's simply cruelty to the human animal.

Posted by: Lee Story | August 29, 2009 07:04 PM

Canadian maple syrup is vegan.

Posted by: Anonymouse | September 22, 2009 04:35 AM