Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to commend Mr. Moses on the function today, on anti-bullying. Today I'll talk about the Northwest Territories fur industry. Furs marketed under the Government of Northwest Territories Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program fur label have shown strong returns to NWT trappers over the last three years. Northwest Territories wolverine, Arctic, cross and red fox furs have sold out at international auctions. At the most recent season opening sale of wild fur held in North Bay, Ontario, 93 and 96 per cent of Arctic fox and black bear furs were sold. Wolf pelts received the highest bids with an average of $353.90 per pelt, and a top price of $661.51. Wolverines averaged $311.35 per pelt, and a top price of $432.
The government's Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program provides one-window access to international markets for NWT trappers, and marketing and promotion of fur at international venues through the partnerships with other harvesting jurisdictions and private sector. More than $460,000 has been paid out in the form of advances to NWT trappers under the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program this season. Access to the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program fur label, which guarantees buyers a single source of quality, authentic NWT-harvested fur, benefits hunters and trappers across the North. The government estimates that 10,000 pelts have been delivered to auction by NWT trappers since November 1, 2015. On top, overall prices continue to be realized at auction for NWT mink, lynx, wolf, Arctic fox and red fox.
The Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program offers support under five sub-programs. The Fur Price Program provides production against sudden and unanticipated declines in market prices and pays all associated costs of selling furs at auction, including shipping and drumming. The Guaranteed Fur Advance provides trappers with fully-guaranteed interim funds to continue trapping while still awaiting the sale of furs at auction. The Trapper's Grubstake provides eligible trappers with funds to defray a portion of their start-up costs at the beginning of each trapping season. The Prime Fur Bonus Program provides funds based on…
Member for Nunakput, your time for Members’ statements has expired.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Going back to the Prime Fur Bonus Program, it provides funds based on successful market performance and provides an incentive to deliver high quality, well-handled fur pelts for sale. A Prime Fur Bonus is paid when the value of a fur sold at auction meets or exceeds the value of the advance. Lastly, the Hide and Fur Procurement Program supports traditional crafts, provides local artisans prime NWT harvested hides to produce high-quality traditional furs. The Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program continues to provide an income for the world-renowned hunters and trappers across the Northwest Territories. At this time, I commend every hunter for their efforts displayed in our culture, which today is the best in the world. Today I'll have questions for the Minister of ITI. Thank you.
