Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I want to speak about the potential here for developing the fur industry. This is an industry that has been neglected largely due to market demands. Now is our chance to strike while the iron is hot. The price for many types of fur is on the increase and there is a resurgence of need for this product. We have many people here who can benefit from this international trend. However, what we need from this government is a major commitment to help the growth of a secondary industry, Mr. Speaker.
We can help provide employment to depressed economies by giving opportunities in areas of taxidermy, manufacturing fur products and providing other related services. Our people are experienced in trapping, but they need the training to expand this market potential, Mr. Speaker.
In the past, this government supported the secondary diamond industry with loans and loan guarantees as my honourable colleague alluded to. We have seen that was a smart move. It allowed us to participate on another level of development and growth. This government has also supported exploration for oil and gas through its financial resources over many decades, $8.5 million in the last five years alone, Mr. Speaker.
Is it time to re-evaluate our participation in the fur industry? I understand we give $15,000 to the Fur Institute to promote the fur industry. While that is fine, there is another level of funding we should be looking at. That area is developing a secondary fur industry, especially in depressed economic areas. We must promote fur bearing humans, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause