Press Release – Sustainable use experts deliver strong message to Canadian Parliamentarians

The Fur Institute of Canada (FIC) held Fur Day on the Hill 2016 in Ottawa on Nov. 29. The event brought together trappers, hunters, farmers, scientists, industry professionals, designers, retailers, auction houses and other likeminded individuals from across the country, and gave them an opportunity to meet with their Members of Parliament (MP), Ministers and department officials to discuss key issues.

This years’ discussions focused on climate change, trade and the heritage and economic impacts of trapping, hunting and fishing activities in Canada. The results were extremely positive said FIC Chair Dion Dakins.

“A great many of our elected officials clearly understand and appreciate the incredible natural and economic benefits of sustainable use activity in Canada — I was extremely encouraged to see a high level of support for a way of life that continues to be so important to Canadians,” Dakins said.

Sustainable wildlife management and use is the foundation of the vibrant trapping, hunting and fishing economy, which employs over 100,000 people across Canada and generates over $15 billion each year in economic activity.

“Sustainable use activity is the key component of livelihoods in rural, coastal and indigenous Canadian communities,” Dakins said.

“But just as important, the millions of people engaged in those activities are also Canada’s true conservationists – they dedicate their lives to conservation, sustainability, humane harvesting, responsible management of natural resources and they are crucial players in climate change adaptation. Their commitment and knowledge is critical as we seek to sustain the future of our outdoor heritage, ecosystem health and biodiversity.”

The meetings were followed by the Outdoor Heritage Banquet and Auction hosted by both the FIC and the Outdoor Caucus Association of Canada (OCAC), an all-party group co-chaired by Conservative MP Bob Zimmer and Liberal MP Yvonne Jones. The event theme was, “Honouring Canada’s True Conservationists, Recognizing Men and Women who Fish, Hunt & Trap.” It brought together nearly 200 attendees including representatives from the Canadian outdoor community, parliamentarians, senators and staff.

The banquet included a highly successful auction showcasing an array of natural products, garments, fishing and hunting equipment and artwork from a variety of proud Canadian companies. Also featured was a photo booth and a selection of natural and sustainable Canadian fur products displayed by Hudson’s Bay Furs and Pat Flesher Furs.

Sponsors for the event included: Title Sponsors, The Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association (Keep Canada Fishing and North American Fur Auctions (NAFA); Host Sponsors, Shimano and Fur Harvesters Auction; and Co-Host Sponsors, Canadian National Sportsmen’s Shows, Berkley and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.

About the Fur Institute of Canada
The Fur Institute of Canada (FIC), started in 1983, 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 in accordance with The Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards (AIHTS) within Canada. The FIC is mandated to: Provide accurate and credible information relating to the economic, social, cultural and environmental issues surrounding the harvesting and farming of fur in Canada; and to represent the interests of Canadians actively involved in sustainable use and wildlife conservation.