The Fur Institute of Canada is the country’s lead expert on humane trap research and furbearer conservation and is the official trap-testing agency for the Government of Canada and all provincial/territorial governments. The FIC manages Canada’s humane trap research and testing program through the Alberta Research Centre and in accordance with The Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards within Canada.
The FIC is mandated to providing accurate and credible information relating to the economic, social, cultural and environmental issues surrounding the harvesting and farming of fur in Canada.
We represent the interests of Canadians actively involved in fur use and wildlife conservation. FIC also contributes to policies and research through its memberships in the Canadian Outdoors Caucus Association and (IUCN) World Conservation Union-Canada Committee and at the international level, in the IUCN, International Fur Trade Federation and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.
FIC is a network of organizations, businesses and individuals throughout Canada and beyond. The FIC is governed by an elected Board of Directors representing all sectors of the industry and stakeholder groups. The Board directs the activities of the Institute and operational committees develop programs and deliver project activities.
Our membership includes all aspects of the fur trade. Categories include Trappers, Fur Farmers, Wholesale Fur Dealers, Fur Manufacturers/Processors, Fur Retailers, Aboriginal Organizations, Conservation Groups, Animal Welfare Associations, Support Industries, Federal, and Provincial and Territorial Governments.
Mission statement and Values
The mission of the Fur Institute of Canada is to ‘promote the sustainable and wise use of Canada’s fur resources’. We promote the following values:
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- The sustainable use and conservation of renewable resources
- The continued improvement of animal welfare through ongoing research and the development of national and international trapping standards
- The conservation and management of natural resources are based on scientific evidence and traditional knowledge
- Professionalism through continued education, licensing and research
- Respect for people, animals and the environment
- Respect for tradition, heritage and culture
- Respect for the right of Aboriginal peoples to pursue their Aboriginal and Treaty Rights