Harper Government supports fur industry with new investment for humane trapping

July 31, 2015 12:06 PM 

Harper Government supports fur industry with new investment for humane
trapping 
http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1578602/harper-government-supports-fur-indus
try-with-new-investment-for-humane-trapping 

GATINEAU, QC, July 31, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister
of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development
Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council, today announced an investment
totalling $845,104 over four years for the continued research, testing and
development of humane trapping systems for the capture of furbearing animals
on land and in water. The Government of Canada recognizes that hunting,
angling and trapping are central to the livelihood, recreation and tradition
of many Canadians. Management of these activities is an important component
to the conservation of our natural heritage. This funding supports
continued work by the Fur Institute to further Canada's commitments under
the Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards. 

QUICK FACTS
.The Canadian fur industry directly employs 70,000 Canadians (including
25,000 Aboriginal people) and contributes more than $800 million to the
Canadian economy annually. 
.The Fur Institute of Canada is the country's lead expert on humane trap
research and is the official trap-testing agency for the Government of
Canada and all provincial/territorial governments. 
.The Fur Institute of Canada tests and certifies wild fur animal traps to
animal welfare requirements, as required by the Agreement on International
Humane Trapping Standards. This agreement was ratified by Canada in 1998 and
entered into force in 2008. The agreement requires participating countries
to prohibit the use of traps that do not meet the standards and to certify
and regulate traps to the international standard. 
.Hunting and trapping activities remain an essential traditional, cultural,
and economic activity in rural and remote communities across Canada. 

QUOTES 

"Our Government has been steadfast in its support for hunters across Canada
and has stood up and defended both the seal and polar bear hunt on the world
stage. Today's announcement demonstrates, once again, our firm commitment to
support hunters and our understanding that hunting, angling and trapping are
central to the livelihood, traditions and recreational activities of many
Canadians." - The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment,
Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister
for the Arctic Council 

"The Fur Institute of Canada's trap research and development program is
unique in the world and reflects Canada's leadership role in the sustainable
and wise use of our abundant wildlife resources. This investment will ensure
the continuation of this essential program and is very much welcomed by the
Canadian trapping community."- Dion Dakins, Chair, Fur Institute of Canada 

For more information and to view a backgrounder on this announcement, please
visit the website of Environment Canada. 
Page Twitter d'Environnement Canada
Page Facebook d'Environnement Canada 

SOURCE Environment Canada 

For further information: Ted Laking, Director of Communications, Office of
the Minister of the Environment, 819-997-1441; Media Relations, Environment
Canada, 819-934-8008