Singer Janet Cull to bring pro-seal message to Sarah McLachlan concert
The weather in St. John's on Saturday is expected to be right around the freezing mark, and Janet Cull is hoping many of those who join her pro-sealing protest will stay warm by wearing seal-skin clothing.
Cull is organizing a peaceful protest outside Mile One Centre Nov. 22 where Grammy winner Sarah McLachlan is scheduled to perform.
It's part of a campaign by Cull, a well-known Newfoundland musician and daughter of a seal hunter, to counter McLachlan's opposition to the hunt.
"We're not telling anyone or asking anyone not to go to see Sarah. We're musicians. We understand how important it is to be supported as a musician," said Cull. "But we are asking, maybe we're going to have signs, maybe they can bring them inside and say, 'Sarah, these are the facts ....'
Cull is a big fan of McLachlan's music, but is not a fan of her anti-sealing views.
In 2012, McLachlan penned a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, asking him to end the seal hunt.
Writing on behalf of animal rights groups People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, she accused the government of defending the industry to hold onto seats in Newfoundland and Labrador.
She said actions by countries such as Russia and the European Union to ban imports of seal products was further proof the industry was dying.
Cull believes McLachlan needs to be better educated on the seal harvest.
Cull hopes other people will support her protest, and is encouraging people to assemble at 7 p.m. outside the centre, dressed in seal clothing if possible.
McLachlan is originally from Halifax, and is known internationally for her singing. She has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide since the late 1980s.