Mr. Speaker, by actively supporting the harvesting and marketing of wild fur through the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program the Government of the Northwest Territories is taking action to diversify the economy. This will provide all communities and regions with opportunities as identified in the 16th Assembly’s vision of Northerners Working Together.
Over $815,000 worth of genuine Mackenzie Valley furs were sold at a wild fur auction held in Seattle this past March, and over 90 percent of the pelts shipped to auction were sold. This is an increase of 47 percent from last year’s sales, and most importantly, our trappers and their communities will benefit from these increased sales.
This year there was an increase in demand for Northwest Territories furs, especially from buyers in Russia and China. Five genuine Mackenzie Valley fur species achieved top prices at auction, outperforming the same species all across Canada and the United States. These species are mink, marten, fisher, arctic fox and red fox. Top prices worthy of noting is our marten with a top price of $150.37, arctic fox at $67.91 and, finally, red fox at $164.92.
These prices underscore what we already know, that fur from the Northwest Territories is amongst the best in the world and our trappers are very skilled at their trade. Providing quality wild fur is no easy task, but our Northwest Territories trappers regularly offer high quality, well-handled fur pelts for sale at auction.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to waive Rule 34(6) so that all Ministers’ statements filed with the Clerk can be delivered today.
---Unanimous consent granted
To date nearly $1 million has been generated in sales for trappers and their families across the Northwest Territories.
Fur sales last year were negatively affected by the downturn in the economy. Now we are seeing the effects of the global recovery. Throughout dramatic swings in market, the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program has proven very beneficial to trappers. The program provides stability through guarantees on prices and benefits.
The Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program is about promoting self-sufficiency and self-reliance. It also aims to create economic diversity for residents in the territory.
We still have two options remaining this season and I hope to see even more high sales so our trappers and their families will continue to benefit.
Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation, Mr. Robert McLeod.
