Barrett advocates for fur industry

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 5, 2019

QUEEN’S PARK – Fur has deep roots in Canada’s history and in Ontario, over 10,000 people work in this remarkable heritage industry.

Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett stood in the Ontario Legislature on two separate occasions this week to talk about those who work as trappers, on small family-run farms, as designers, skilled craftspeople and retail furriers.

“For generations, the trapping and harvesting of fur has been an integral part of our heritage,” Barrett said during Question Period. “The industry in Ontario is comprised of thousands of people who contribute both to the economy and to proper wildlife management. The Ontario Fur Managers Federation represents over 6,000 people who ensure that this important part of our heritage continues to thrive. They are leaders in protecting and managing Ontario’s sensitive and important ecosystem.”

After Barrett asked what measures the government is taking to protect the industry, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry John Yakabuski answered, “Their efforts in wildlife management have been a tremendous asset in maintaining the rich biodiversity that Ontarians enjoy today. I’m happy to say that I have met with them on a number of occasions, and their understanding of the industry has been of great assistance in my role as the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry.”

Barrett then pointed out the association manages wildlife based on science, not ideology and asked the minister his philosophy.

“Conservation in this province must be guided by facts, not ideology,” Yakabuski said. “That’s why, as Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, I’m committed to ensuring wildlife management decisions will be determined by science, now and into the future.”

Ontario is now the largest producer of wild and farm-raised furs in Canada, supporting livelihoods and cultures in rural and remote regions, including First Nations communities. The province is also home to the only two international fur auction facilities in North America, attracting hundreds of buyers from around the world and generating more than $300 million in exports.

“Fur has deep roots in our history, and it makes more sense now than ever before,” Barrett explained. “It’s renewable, natural and is sustainably produced, long-lasting and recyclable, and after many decades of use, it’s completely biodegradable.”

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For more information, contact MPP Toby Barrett at 519-428-0446 or toby.barrett@pc.ola.org

Youtube video: https://youtu.be/UqRy8ItxNnQ

ONTARIO LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

Official Hansard

Monday, November 4, 2019

Fur industry

Mr. Toby Barrett: To the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry: Today is fur managers day at Queen’s Park, and we’re privileged to have trappers here in the audience. Many members are meeting with them today.

For generations, the trapping and harvesting of fur has been an integral part of our heritage. The industry in Ontario is comprised of thousands of people who contribute both to the economy and to proper wildlife management.

The Ontario Fur Managers Federation represents over 6,000 people who ensure that this important part of our heritage continues to thrive. They are leaders in protecting and managing Ontario’s sensitive and important ecosystem.

Speaker, will the minister please tell this House what measures our government is taking to support those who work in this industry?

Hon. John Yakabuski: I thank the great member from Haldimand–Norfolk for that question.

I want to acknowledge the work being done by the Ontario Fur Managers Federation. Their dedication and passion for the industry are truly inspiring to see. One example of our continued partnership is the training and licensing of trappers in Ontario, which the Fur Managers Federation has the expertise to run and administer. Our government recognizes the value of their first-hand experience and recently renewed their contract to continue administering this program on behalf of our government.

Their efforts in wildlife management have been a tremendous asset in maintaining the rich biodiversity that Ontarians enjoy today. I’m happy to say that I have met with them on a number of occasions, and their understanding of the industry has been of great assistance in my role as the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Mr. Toby Barrett: Thank you to the minister. I couldn’t agree more that this organization has been doing an excellent job for over 20 years. Ontario has benefited from their hard work. I’m glad to hear of our government’s continued support from MNRF.

Management of predators, such as wolves, is key to protecting moose populations. The volunteers with the Fur Managers Federation have been working to ensure a scientific approach to wildlife management. We need more of this mentality, to ensure experts are given the tools to get the job done and to get the job done properly.

Back to the minister: What actions is he taking to ensure wildlife management is based on science rather than ideology?

Hon. John Yakabuski: Thanks again to the member for his question and also for his tremendous advocacy for many, many years on behalf of the Fur Managers Federation.

The member is absolutely correct, and our government takes this issue very seriously. I’ve been working with the fur managers to ensure they have a seat at the table when it comes to managing Ontario’s ecosystem. We need to continue utilizing their knowledge and to work with them as partners to ensure that this province and its many resources are there to enjoy for future generations.

Conservation in this province must be guided by facts, not ideology. That’s why, as Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, I’m committed to ensuring wildlife management decisions will be determined by science, now and into the future.

HANSARD

Official Hansard

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Mr. Toby Barrett: Many of us met yesterday with members of Ontario’s fur industry. Over 10,000 people work in this remarkable Ontario heritage industry. They work as trappers, on small family-run farms, as designers, skilled craftspeople and retail furriers.

Ontario is now the largest producer of wild and farm-raised furs in Canada, supporting livelihoods and cultures in rural and remote regions, including First Nations communities.

Licensed trappers play an important role in managing wildlife, promoting healthy and stable furbearer populations while protecting property, habitat and human health.

Ontario is now home to the only two international fur auction facilities in North America, attracting hundreds of buyers from around the world and generating more than $300 million in exports.

Fur has deep roots in our history, and it makes more sense now than ever before. It’s renewable, natural and is sustainably produced, long-lasting and recyclable, and after many decades of use, it’s completely biodegradable. I hope everyone who did take the opportunity to attend the Queen’s Park meetings with these talented and hard-working men and women in our Ontario fur industry left with an understanding of the role tha