As I indicated, the Government of the Northwest Territories has begun the process of obtaining the European Union Recognition status on behalf of Inuvialuit hunters to be exempt from the EU International Seal Ban, and we're also working with our neighbours in Nunavut, I understand. Once completed, this initiative will provide Northwest Territories' seals and seal products to all European Union markets. Under the Hide and Fur Procurement Program, negative impacts of the European Union’s seal ban had been limited by maintaining prices to harvesters at $55 per skin. This amount has recently been increased to $70 per sealskin in order to increase the supply of NWT seal pelts to the Hide and Fur Procurement Program, and I should add that all of the hides that we procure through this program are quickly taken up for local manufacturers. All the NWT seals are shipped to processing plants to be tanned and returned to supply local craft demand. The intent is to operate on a cost-mutual basis. Presently, with the program, seal, beaver, and moose hides continue to grow and become more popular with the crafters. Our ability to meet demand is tested. For 2016, we expect to see sales of $180,000 in raw material that will generate close to $800,000 in local products like mitts, mukluks, and hats.
Bob McLeod on Question 52-18(2): Supporting The Northwest Territories Fur Industry
In the Legislative Assembly on February 24th, 2016. See this statement in context.
Question 52-18(2): Supporting The Northwest Territories Fur Industry
Oral Questions
February 23rd, 2016
See context to find out what was said next.