Meeting of Ministers responsible for Forests, Wildlife, Endangered Species and Fisheries and Aquaculture and the Canadian Endangered Species Conservation Council

WHITEHORSE - Ministers responsible for wildlife from the federal, provincial and territorial governments of Canada today reconfirmed their strong support for the Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards.

As a signatory to the 1997 Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards with the European Union and the Russian Federation Canada adheres to internationally-recognized humane trapping practices, thus ensuring that Canadian furs and fur products are obtained through methods that are humane and sustainable.

Ministers commended the Fur Institute of Canada for the progress that they have made in developing more humane trapping methods and systems to fulfill Canada’s treaty obligations.

Canada’s trap research and testing program has produced significant results in support of the industry, and Ministers committed to continue this important work. Funding for the research and testing program conducted by the Fur Institute is provided by both government and by the fur industry. Ministers supported a resolution that a funding agreement would be in place by October 31, 2004.

Ministers stated that “the Canadian fur industry provides employment for thousands of trappers, many of whom are aboriginal, who are trained in the humane, safe, and effective trapping methods. As well as being responsible in how they conduct their trapping activities, trappers have proven to be effective stewards of the environment, informing wildlife managers of changes in population numbers, alerting them to the presence of disease, and providing insight on the possible effects of climate change on the biodiversity in their area.”

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