Mr. Speaker, the Legislative Assembly's vision for a diversified economy includes a traditional economy capable of creating and maintaining a livelihood and healthy lifestyle for those residents who choose to participate in it.

Today I would like to highlight some of the significant achievements made to support this important economic sector during the past year.

Last year, the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development implemented revisions to the Fur Marketing Program. Elements of this program include:

• • a guaranteed advance for all fur harvested by trappers in the NWT;
• • a prime fur bonus payable to the trapper if fur is sold at auction for a value equal to or greater than the advance; and
• • a grubstake program for eligible trappers at the start of each season to defray a portion of start-up costs.

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The advances are based upon market estimates for fur prices at auction. Last year, 80 percent of the fur sold through this program resulted in bonus payments to trappers.

This means trappers are bringing in prime pelts that have been properly handled to meet auction requirements. It also shows that prices set under this program accurately reflect market conditions.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that the program combined with sale proceeds generated $1.2 million for trappers in the Northwest Territories.

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This is an increase of almost $250,000 over previous years.

All indications point to another good year for trappers. Market conditions are excellent with prices stabilizing or increasing, especially for sealskins, marten, beaver and lynx where demand is exceeding supply. This trend is expected to continue with the growth of demand in the Asia Pacific market.

We continue to support our trappers with annual trapper workshops each fall to demonstrate new techniques and technology in the fur trade. This month, Mr. Speaker, a special series of workshops on wolf pelt handling techniques is being held in four communities. These workshops will help trappers obtain higher prices for wolf pelts sent to auction. Roger Catling and Miranda Cassaway of Fort Reliance are leading the workshops. These two individuals are recognized by fur auction houses for their consistent supply of high quality wolf pelts.

Trapper training and land life skills programs are being offered in each region this winter for new trappers and young people, both in and outside the school systems. These programs assist in the transfer of skills and encourage young people to consider trapping as a viable seasonal career choice.

Mr. Speaker, this government recognizes the important contributions our harvesters make to their communities and traditional cultures. We want to ensure their special skills and knowledge are passed onto future generations so they can continue the role of caretakers and monitors of our land and wildlife. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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