Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The traditional economy plays a key role in diversifying our territorial economy and providing all communities and regions with opportunities and choices, a goal of the 17th Legislative Assembly.
Through the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Furs Program, the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment works in partnership with Northwest Territories trappers, the fur industry and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to support the territory’s traditional fur economy. The NWT is well known for its quality furs and I am pleased to report that the current market for our northern furs and the prices they are commanding is excellent.
This year the Government of the Northwest Territories is doubling the number of fur pelts trappers can claim under the Grubstake Program, from 200 to 400 pelts per trapper. The program offsets a portion of trappers’ start-up costs at the beginning of the next season.
This increase is in direct response to requests from our productive trappers. Not only will it provide them with additional start-up funds, it will also stimulate increased production of wild fur.
Grubstake funds are in addition to the guaranteed advance payment and the prime fur bonus payment.
Trappers who ship their well-handled fur through the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Furs Program will receive a guaranteed advance payment. If the fur sells for less than the advance, the program absorbs the costs. However, if the fur sells for more than the advance, the trapper receives additional money plus a prime fur bonus payment as an incentive to deliver high quality, well-handled fur pelts. The program’s guaranteed advance for seal skins is especially important in the Beaufort-Delta communities since the European Union banned their import.
Training is vital to ensure continued success in the international fur market. This December, trapper workshops will be held throughout the North Slave region. Workshops demonstrate industry best practices in pelt handling and fur grading and help to ensure the wild fur harvest in the NWT remains of the highest quality.
I also want to take this opportunity to recognize the recipients of the Trapper Recognition Awards. Awards are given to the top senior and junior trappers, as well as the trapper with the most pelts and the most market sales in each region.
For the first time, this year the top Youth Trapper Award went to a female: Ms. Marilyn Maring of Inuvik. Congratulations to all the winners on their well-deserved awards.
By continuing to work with communities and through the responsible development of natural resources in the NWT, we will continue to work towards creating a prosperous, diverse and sustainable economy that will benefit NWT trappers, their families and their communities for years to come. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. The honourable Premier, Bob McLeod.
