CBC Archives

Ask students to consider controversial issues such as abortion, gender equity, religion, and so on. Ask: Have you ever been involved in a heated argument or debate about any such topics or issues? How did you feel when everyone disagreed? Did you try to resolve the conflicting views? How?

Direct students to the topic Pelts, Pups and Protest: The Atlantic Seal Hunt on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site. Allow students to browse the site, including the Additional Clips, Did You Know? and Links sections. Half of the class will take notes about the arguments supporting the Atlantic seal hunt and the other half will take notes about the arguments opposing it. Students can record their notes on the download sheet Pros and Cons.

Students will take part in a mock town-hall meeting where they will discuss and debate the pros and cons of the Atlantic seal hunt. You will act as chairperson to keep the meeting organized, to ensure that discussion occurs around the differing opinions, and to ensure that all speakers have an opportunity to speak. Students must be able to explain and support their positions with their research.

In ending the town-hall meeting, ask students to identify positions that were particularly persuasive and comment on why they found these arguments convincing.

Students can write the Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union (FFAW/CAW), Greenpeace, or the federal government to express their views about the seal hunt in Atlantic Canada.