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
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For more information and to view a backgrounder on this announcement, please visit the website of Environment Canada.
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SOURCE Environment Canada
Ted Laking, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of the Environment, 819-997-1441; Media Relations, Environment Canada, 819-934-8008
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