EventThe Government of Northwest Territories announced it will no longer buy polar‑bear pelts from harvesters or provide advance payments, because the pelts are not selling at auction and have performed poorly in recent years. Harvesters who sell a pelt privately for $1,750 or more can still receive a $450 ‘prime fur bonus’ if they submit proof of sale. Only polar‑bear pelts are affected; sales of other pelts are expected to remain strong.
The Government of the Northwest Territories has halted purchases and advance payments of polar bear pelts from harvesters, citing weak auction sales and a limited market. Harvesters may still receive a $450 bonus for private sales exceeding $1,750. Only polar bear pelts are affected; other pelts remain projected to rise.
Nunavut’s government will stop buying polar bear pelts through the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program, citing low auction sales, though harvesters can still earn a bonus by selling pelts privately.
The Government of the Northwest Territories announced it will stop buying polar bear pelts and making advance payments under the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program due to low demand, while still offering a bonus for high‑quality pelts sold privately and shifting artist fur sales to local distributors.
