Become a Member

FIC representing Canada’s fur resource sector

Whether you’re a fur trapper or rancher, a fur-related organization or business, or a member of the public, the FIC is working on your behalf.

Society’s increasing awareness of human impact on animals and the environment and the urgency for solutions is driving the need to accelerate the pace and the amount of research directed at maintaining biodiversity and renewable resources such as furbearing animals and in improved animal welfare.

There is an equally important need to bring accurate, scientifically based knowledge to the public discussion and the growing political debate on the responsible use of our natural resources.

The Fur Institute of Canada is uniquely positioned to work closely with governments, non-government organizations and industry and to deliver expert opinion on a wide variety of fur issues. A prime example of this is the FIC’s national coordination role to implement the AIHTS in Canada, which requires a cooperative approach by trappers, scientists, Aboriginal people and government authorities.

Through its network of member stakeholders, FIC also provides a unifying voice for the many fur-related sectors in Canada.

The FIC furthers government and public understanding and appreciation of today’s fur trade, which in turn affects public policy, which in turn affects Canadians.

This, together with on-going efforts to build on the Institute’s conservation and animal welfare achievements, means that we all benefit.

FIC monitoring all aspects of the international fur sector

“The Fur Institute of Canada is the only organization in Canada that is set up to monitor all aspects surrounding the Fur Trade…. It is important that C.T.A. maintain its membership with the Fur Institute of Canada because of the important events happening nationally and internationally in respect to the fur trade.”

– Cree Trappers Association 2009

Why the FIC needs your support

In order to meet the challenge, the Fur Institute of Canada needs you.

The FIC’s strategic plan sets out the goals and objectives of the organization – measures that will ensure our mandate can be realized. As a non-profit organization, the Institute is dependent on contributions to develop and deliver its programs and services.

FIC advancing trapping technology and international agreements

“I have been informed of the $250,000 contribution that Environment Canada will make to the Fur Institute of Canada in fiscal 2008-2009. This support is required to continue the implementation of the Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards undertaken by the provincial and territorial authorities responsible for trapping in Canada.

The government of Quebec is counting on the same support from Environment Canada and the federal government in the years to come in order to ensure optimum implementation of this important international agreement.”

– Quebec Natural Resources Minister Julie Boulet to Minister John Baird, Environment Canada, 2008

Your support, whether through an annual membership or as a project grant, will enable the Fur Institute of Canada to:

• Promote interest in the various aspects of the fur trade as a career and promote the highest professional standards of trapping and wildlife management.
• Provide public information on the Canadian fur trade.
• Improve and enhance the FIC Website and electronic communications.
• Increase school education efforts including the FIC annual Fur in the Classroom Grant program.
• Build its presence and influence with media and public influencers.
• Expand the Stewards of the Land personal profiles video series for use with media, schools and the public.
• Maintain the Trap Testing Incentive Program, directed at trap manufacturers for evaluating and rating commercial traps.
• Expand Aboriginal Trapper Instructor Training Workshops.
• Develop an urban trapping program to raise the professionalism of urban wildlife services and ensure they meet international standards.
• Establish a central Canadian data system to assemble and house biological furbearer information.
• Undertake research on the impacts of global warming on fur animals.
• Continue introduction of improved sealing practices.
• Represent Canada’s fur conservation and animal welfare interests with more foreign governments, NGO’s and international policy forums.
• Expand the “Reconnecting with the Land” Aboriginal youth-at-risk program.
• Take advantage of new opportunities that arise.
• Your financial assistance will help make this and much more possible.
• FIC supporting people and their cultures

“In 2006, Mr. Robson, along with Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre (MFNERC) and the Fur Institute of Canada formed a partnership to create the “Reconnecting with the Land” program for Aboriginal youth. Mr. Robson believes that this kind of earth-focused, practical education that includes outdoor sessions promotes the wise use of resources as well as cultural awareness in a more lasting way than the classroom experience alone.”

– Aboriginal Boreal Conservation Leaders, June 27, 2008

Member benefits

FIC members receive the following benefits and privileges:

• The opportunity to network with others within the fur sector as a member of a high profile and respected national organization.
• Access to credible expertise and contacts.
• National and international representation and a stronger voice by uniting perspectives from around the country.
• Subscriptions to our internal and external newsletters and sendouts
• Invitations to FIC conferences, workshops and special events.
• Eligibility for Institute awards.
• Voting privileges for Full Members.
• Eligibility to serve on board of directors and committees.

All membership applications must meet approval by the Fur Institute of Canada Board of Directors.

Annual Membership Levels

• $1,000   Corporate/National Company or Association
• $500       Government/Provincial or Territorial Company or Association
• $250       Local/Regional Company or Association
• $50         Individual Associate (no voting rights)

FIC Membership Registration Information

Show your support by joining this dynamic national, non-profit organization that is committed to promoting the sustainable and wise use of Canada’s fur resources.

Through your membership, you will be supporting our Education Programs, Research Projects, Conservation Efforts and much more. You will receive our newsletter Communiqué and copies of our latest publications. Full members will be eligible to vote at our AGMs and to be nominated to the Board of Directors.

Your membership will endorse:

• principles of sustainable use, conservation and optimum development of the fur resources of Canada
• a collective and concerted program of trap research and development to improve trapping technologies in Canada and around the world
• the development and promotion of the most humane possible means of harvesting and husbanding furbearing animals
• increased public understanding of the role of the fur trade in Canadian history, culture, tradition, wildlife conservation and management

Fur Institute of Canada’s membership application form

Corporations, societies, associations or businesses can apply for this voting membership.

Individuals and incorporated bodies can join under this non-voting category.