Mr. Speaker, I’m in receipt of Return to Written Question 33-15(3) asked by Mr. Yakeleya to the Honourable Brendan Bell, Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, regarding the Northwest Territories trapping industry.

Mr. Yakeleya was inquiring if the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, RWED, had answers to the following seven questions related to the Northwest Territories trapping industry. I am pleased to provide the following responses to each question.

How many full-time trappers are there in the Northwest Territories?

Based upon the 2003-04 trapping season, there were a total of 761 trappers who sold their fur through our program.

According to advice received from our regional offices, 221 of these trappers are considered full-time trappers who are engaged in harvesting activities over the course of a full year.

How many part-time trappers are in the NWT?

Using the same methodology, there are 540 part-time trappers in the NWT.

How many trappers are there in each of the regions?

According to our fur marketing database, the numbers of trappers selling fur in the 2003-04 trapping season by region are as follows: North Slave, 176 trappers; South Slave, 202 trappers; Deh Cho, 99 trappers; Sahtu, 88 trappers; and, Inuvik, 196 trappers; for a total of 761 trappers.

Again, I must point out that trappers who sell fur on behalf of family members, including spouses and children under the age of 18 years, are not required to divulge the names of these individuals. Therefore, the number of trappers may not reflect the total number of individuals who are actually trapping.

On average, what does it cost to trap full time and part time?

There are a number of variables to consider including regional differences in costs, species being targeted and skill level of the individual trapper. We have attempted to arrive at estimates based upon best advice received from local suppliers, our regional officers and several trappers. In arriving at a capital cost estimate, we assumed that the individual needs everything brand new. We also assumed the individual needed to be fully equipped. We did not give any consideration for “used” equipment.

The capital start-up cost for a full-time trapper is estimated to be $17,450.

The capital start-up cost for a part-time trapper is estimated to be $16,800.

The estimated cost of operations for a full-time trapper is $7,500.

The estimated cost of operations for a part-time trapper is $2,700.

What is the average income per trapper, either full time or part time?

Based upon our fur–marketing database, the average income per trapper for the 2003-04 trapping season was $1,669. The highest income earned by a trapper was $14,000.

What types of assistance are provided to trappers in the NWT?

There are three types of programs being offered for trappers:

Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Marketing Services

provides support specifically to trappers in the form of a guaranteed advance for good quality fur;

provides for a fur bonus in the event the fur sells at auction for an amount equal to or greater than the advance;

provides for a grubstake payment of $5 per pelt for trappers selling 20 or more pelts to a maximum of $1,000 for 200 pelts;

Pays all commissions and handling charges.

b) Community Harvesters Assistance Program (CHAP)

RWED offers a grant program that provides financial support to harvesters, program delivery occurs through the regional/community wildlife organizations in most regions.

Western Harvesters’ Assistance

In June 1994, the Government of the Northwest Territories approved conditional contributions to regional aboriginal organizations to assist and promote renewable resource harvesting. Of the $15 million originally budgeted fro this program, $11 million has been committed and/or disbursed.

How are trappers being compensated for “potential development” in their area of livelihood and what is the process for compensation?

This question is outside the mandate of RWED. Compensation is an issue between the developer and the trapper, as well as an area that can be covered in the benefits plan accepted by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada under the Canadian Oil and Gas Operations Act administered by the National Energy Board.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.