The mission of the Fur Institute of Canada is to ‘promote the sustainable and wise use of Canada’s fur resources’.

We promote the following values:

• The sustainable use and conservation of renewable resources
• The continued improvement of animal welfare through ongoing research and the development of national and international trapping standards
• The conservation and management of natural resources are based on scientific evidence and traditional knowledge
• Professionalism through continued education, licensing and research
• Respect for people, animals and the environment
• Respect for tradition, heritage and culture
• Respect for the right of Aboriginal peoples to pursue their Aboriginal and Treaty Rights

Fur Institute of Canada programs are developed and delivered by operational committees within the Institute. Committees are formed by, and report to, the Board of Directors.

Trap Research and Testing

The Fur Institute of Canada is the official trap-testing agency for the Government of Canada and all provincial/territorial governments. Through research, development, communication and education, the Trap Research and Development Committee ensures that the best possible furbearer capture technology is available to Canadian trappers. This world recognized program seeks the highest level of animal welfare that can be achieved through traditional knowledge and current science. The trap research and testing program is conducted through the Alberta Research Centre. It adheres to the “Three R’s” (Refinement, Reduction, Replacement) of animal research and is overseen by the Canadian Council on Animal Care.

The Institute is also responsible for coordinating the implementation of the Agreement on International Humane Standards (AIHTS) within Canada. And it is a Canadian representative on the AIHTS management committee.

International Relations Conservation

Programs promote the conservation of furbearers throughout Canada and internationally. Through policy development, evaluation, education and advocacy, the committee furthers the principles of wise and sustainable use and of applied management in relation to furbearers and their habitats. The committee works in cooperation with wildlife agencies and conservation groups. By monitoring and participating in international activities on trapping, fur ranching, fur use and trade, the committee is able to apprise and advise its members and stakeholders. This includes, but is not limited to, monitoring policies and activities of international organizations and governments affecting wildlife management or international trade, and participating in international forums, such as IUCN and CITES.

Communications

The FIC delivers and develops information and resources directed to the Institute membership, the fur trade, other conservation and animal welfare organizations and the public sector, including the media, schools, federal, provincial and territorial governments and the general public.

Aboriginal Communications

The committee is mandated to inform Canada’s Aboriginal trappers of important developments in the fur sector, particularly relating to international humane trapping standards and results of the trap research and testing program. The committee also facilitates communications and promotes joint programs between Aboriginal trappers and provincial and territorial wildlife agencies. Aboriginal organizations, governments and industry are kept informed of issues of concern to Aboriginal communities, trappers and the fur trade. The committee also develops and participates in youth-at-risk and native heritage programs where elders are teachers and the land is the classroom.

Sealing

The Sealing Committee ensures that factual information on seals and sealing in Canada is made available from primary sources, on a timely basis, to the general public, media and legislators in Canada and around the world. The committee facilitates the Seals and Sealing Network (SSN), which brings together international stakeholders research, trade and communications.

Directors

Committee Chairs

Executive Director: Rob Cahill

Executive Assistant: Shirley D'Penha

Financial Officer: Claire Scanlan

Administrative Assistant: Valerie Labelle

Communications Assistant: Lena Elchamaa

To contact any members of the FIC staff, please visit our contact page.

Contract Staff

Animal Welfare Program Coordinator: Neal Jotham