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RCMP keeps muskrat hats despite anti-fur campaign, trapping industry surprised by controversy

An old controversy bristled this week when the Mounties suggested they would retire their muskrat hats. Ottawa says that won't be happening and animal rights activists are stunned. Animals skins still provide lots of work... and lots of fury in this country....
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The Current25:45RCMP keeps muskrat hats despite anti-fur campaign, trapping industry surprised by controversy - Oct 3, 2014
An old controversy bristled this week when the Mounties suggested they would retire their muskrat hats. Ottawa says that won't be happening and animal rights activists are stunned. Animals skins still provide lots of work... and lots of fury in this country.


This week in the House of Commons, Conservative MP Robert Sopuck seemed shocked The Mounties were apparently ready to replace their iconic muskrat hats with some sort of woolen toque.

furtrade-250-dave.jpg

Dave Bewick, at Bill Worp Furs in Winnipeg.
He is with North American Fur Actions. An
organization that handles about 80% of the
world's wild fur market.

Environment Minister, Leona Aglukkaq reassured the House that the Minister of Public Safety will not discontinue the fur hats and the government supports Canada's hunters and trappers.

Joseph Kochon is the Band Manager in Colville Lake - a small community about 700 kilometers north of Yellowknife. He grew up trapping, and doesn't understand why fur is so controversial.

John Colford is the Manager of Traditional Economy, Agriculture and Fisheries in the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment for the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Fur trapping is without doubt one of the founding Canadian industries. But we used to sell a lot more asbestos, nobody whales anymore and a minority of us actually farm. Industries evolve, and fur's no exception.

Mark Reid is the editor in Chief of Canada's History magazine -- which, by the way, was known as The Beaver not so long ago. Mark Reid says the industry is diminished, fur is just not a a sought after fashion item.


What are your thoughts on this discussion?

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This segment was produced by The Current's Liz Hoath and Sarah Grant.


Last Word: David Alexander on making a raccoon hat from road kill

We've been talking today about how divided Canadians are over the issue of wearing fur. David Alexander may actually have found a compromise for people who like the look and warmth of fur, but dislike trapping and killing. He's put together a series of instructive Youtube videos on how to make a cruelty-free fur clothing... from roadkill.


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