Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, over the past two years, this government has made concerted efforts to support and expand the fur industry in the Northwest Territories. We have focused our attention on training, improved services for trappers and encouraging young people to consider participation in this traditional activity.

I am pleased to report that since 2001, 1400 students have participated in trapper training programs. A number of these students were young people who had either dropped out of school or who had already entered the workforce. The ages range from youngsters to people in the mid-30s.

We also now have 20 certified trapper trainers in the Northwest Territories. The majority of these trainers are active trappers. Trapping workshops have been held in virtually every community.

Mr. Speaker, we have also made some major changes with our fur price program to assist harvesters. The main purpose of the changes is to eliminate the confusion over pricing and eligibility. Now all prime or good quality fur is guaranteed a minimum advance value. Harvesters now know that before they go out trapping they will receive a minimum price for their prime fur with the promise of more if the fur sells for more at auction. To ensure all proceeds for the sale of fur at auction go back to the trappers, we have eliminated all shipping, handling and commission charges previously paid for by trappers for fur going to auction. This provides many trappers with an additional eight to ten percent premium.

The market for fur has improved over the past several years. Most dramatic of these improvements is for seal pelts. It was only a few years ago that these pelts were fetching only a few dollars at auction. Today it is not uncommon for seal pelts to attract prices of $50 to $60 with some reaching $80 per pelt. Over the past two years, we have worked closely with our colleagues in Nunavut who have offered the opportunity to sell NWT seal pelts through their marketing program. This has proven to be a very beneficial arrangement for our seal harvesters. I am pleased to confirm that seal pelts are part of the revised fur price program.

Mr. Speaker, the overall strength of the fur market today creates opportunities for existing and new trappers. This year we are introducing two new programs to further assist fur and seal harvesters to take advantage of these opportunities. These are a prime fur bonus and a fall grubstake program. The prime fur bonus is designed to stimulate the production of prime fur and improve trapping and handling skills. The trapper will receive the bonus after the fur is sold, if it sells for the same or more than the advance provided. If the fur sells for less than the advance, the trapper will not receive the bonus but will be able to keep all of the advance.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to waive Rule 34(6) so that all Ministers' statements filed with the Clerk can be delivered today. Thank you.