Fur Institute of Canada programs are developed and delivered by operational committees within the Institute. Committees are formed by, and report to, the Board of Directors.
This Project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the federal Department of Environment and Climate Change.
Trap Research and Development Committee
The Fur Institute of Canada is the official trap-testing agency for the Government of Canada and all provincial/territorial governments. Through research, development, communication and education, the Trap Research and Development Committee ensures that the best possible furbearer capture technology is available to Canadian trappers. This world recognized program seeks the highest level of animal welfare that can be achieved through traditional knowledge and current science. The trap research and testing program is conducted through the Alberta Research Centre. It adheres to the “Three R’s” (Refinement, Reduction, Replacement) of animal research and is overseen by the Canadian Council on Animal Care.
The Institute is also responsible for coordinating the implementation of the Agreement on International Humane Standards (AIHTS) within Canada. And it is a Canadian representative on the AIHTS management committee.
Communications committee
The FIC delivers and develops information and resources directed to the Institute membership, the fur trade, other conservation and animal welfare organizations and the public sector, including the media, schools, federal, provincial and territorial governments and the general public.
Human – Wildlife Conflict committee
Human-wildlife conflicts have become Canada’s wildlife management challenge of the 21st Century. With expanding wildlife populations, their impacts on society are increasing exponentially and their management becoming more-difficult as Canada’s suburban population grows, government programs are reduced or eliminated, and municipal downloading continues.
Federal departments, provinces, territories, municipalities, resource sectors, wildlife control companies, trappers, sealers and landowners all have a role to play in successfully managing human-wildlife conflicts in Canada. The Fur Institute of Canada has undertaken to bring greater national attention to these wildlife conflicts and to facilitate exploration of solutions with willing partners.
Seals and sealing Network
The Sealing Committee ensures that factual information on seals and sealing in Canada is made available from primary sources, on a timely basis, to the general public, media and legislators in Canada and around the world. The committee facilitates the Seals and Sealing Network (SSN), which brings together international stakeholders research, trade and communications.