Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier on in my statement the questions for Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment. My first question is to the Minister of Industry, Tourism, and Investment. can you please outline the types of support that are available to trappers under the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The fur program is one of our longest-standing programs and the government is very happy to be able to continue to contribute and support trappers, because we know that any funding that we provide and any return to the harvesters goes directly to the communities and protects their way of life. The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment currently retains responsibility for marketing and promotional activities and managing the high procurement program to support traditional crafts. The Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program is jointly managed by the departments of Environment and Natural Resources and Industry, Tourism and Investment. Environment and Natural Resources is now responsible for the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program delivery and administration of the Fur Marketing Service Revolving Fund, with the exception of marketing and promoting of Hide and Fur Procurement Program. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
My other question is: the trapping industry is important in my riding of Nunakput. What are some of the trends and issues impacting the industry in the Beaufort-Delta region?
The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment consults with the Inuvialuit Regional Council and Inuvialuit communities to ensure harvesters have access to markets by continuing to enhance existing programs. In 2013/2014, Industry, Tourism and Investment incorporated muskox hides into the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program as a means of guaranteeing substance harvesters added value for good quality hides. These hides are sold to Jacques Cartier Clothier Qiviuk for a profit with all revenue directed to the harvester. This includes the Prime Fur Bonus payment of $50 a hide, which is triggered when the sale is reconciled through the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program.
In addition to the hides, Industry, Tourism and Investment is developing a market outside of the local carving community for muskox horns. Interest from jewellery designers and knife manufacturers is being tested to establish demand and values for possible inclusion into Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program. Beaufort-Delta communities produce some of the best wild fox, wolves, and wolverine in the Northwest Territories. These are sought after by knowledgeable fur buyers who are willing to pay top prices. We're also working to incorporate seals into the program. We will be seeking exemption from the European Union for Aboriginal seal products, so Industry, Tourism and Investment continues to encourage harvesting in all these communities.
That last comment is leading to my next question. In my region harvesting seals is important both feed and a source of cash income. What is Industry, Tourism and Investment doing to maximize returns to harvesters?
As I indicated, the Government of the Northwest Territories has begun the process of obtaining the European Union Recognition status on behalf of Inuvialuit hunters to be exempt from the EU International Seal Ban, and we're also working with our neighbours in Nunavut, I understand. Once completed, this initiative will provide Northwest Territories' seals and seal products to all European Union markets. Under the Hide and Fur Procurement Program, negative impacts of the European Union’s seal ban had been limited by maintaining prices to harvesters at $55 per skin. This amount has recently been increased to $70 per sealskin in order to increase the supply of NWT seal pelts to the Hide and Fur Procurement Program, and I should add that all of the hides that we procure through this program are quickly taken up for local manufacturers. All the NWT seals are shipped to processing plants to be tanned and returned to supply local craft demand. The intent is to operate on a cost-mutual basis. Presently, with the program, seal, beaver, and moose hides continue to grow and become more popular with the crafters. Our ability to meet demand is tested. For 2016, we expect to see sales of $180,000 in raw material that will generate close to $800,000 in local products like mitts, mukluks, and hats.
Masi. Member for Nunakput.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, with the state of the economy in the NWT, will the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment promote and make plans to boost the economy in small communities by assisting hunters and trappers in acquiring traps and hunting gear for the upcoming 2016-2017 hunting season? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Under the Industry, Tourism and Investment Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development Program, better known as the SEED Program, current trappers can access funding to purchase trapping supplies based on previous harvest records. Eligible trappers can access up to $5,000 over five years. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources also administers programs to assist hunters and trappers. The Local Wildlife Committee funds, about $258,000, provides funding to defray a portion of the administration costs for local committees that represent the interests of community wildlife harvesters. Also, the Community Harvesters Assistance Program with approximately $1,074,000 provides funding, distributes by the Local Wildlife Committee to community harvesters in support of harvesting activities. In total, our government provides in the neighbourhood $2.5 million to support trapping industry in the Northwest Territories.
Oral questions. Member for Nahendeh.
