Fur industry cheers, anti-fur activists vow to fight Tory decision to keep RCMP muskrat hats

Canada’s much-maligned fur lobby is celebrating a rare victory thanks to the Harper government.

Earlier this week, Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq announced that her government has reversed an RCMP decision to discontinue its use of the iconic muskrat fur lined and replace them with wool toques.

In a statement released, Wednesday, the Fur Institute of Canada (FIC) — a fur research and advocacy organization — said they applaud the government’s intervention.

"The tens-of-thousands of Canadians who rely on the fur trade appreciate the Government’s continued strong support for the principle of conservation through sustainable use," said the statement.

"Historically, the fur trade played a central role in the development of Canada, and, like the RCMP, has a significant and iconic position in Canadian heritage, culture and tradition.

"Canadian trappers not only contribute to the economy, they also play an integral role in managing wildlife populations under the supervision of the government for the benefit of all Canadians."

[ Related: Manitoba MP defends trapping after RCMP mull phasing out muskrat hats ]

Aglukkaq — an Inuk — has long advocated for First Nations’ rights to hunt for food and clothing, claiming that it’s an important aspect of her culture. In the past she’s chided those opposed to the seal hunt and made no apologies last December when she tweeted a picture of a dead polar bear apparently shot dead by her cousin.

But if her short speech in the House of Commons is any indication, her disdain for the anti-fur lobby seems to be strongest.

"I would like to assure Canadians that the Minister of Public Safety has taken actions to ensure that the historic fur winter hats worn by the RCMP will not be discontinued, despite the efforts of radical animal rights activists,” Aglukkaq said during Question Period on Tuesday.

"The RCMP decision, which is causing much glee among anti-fur activists, is being fully overturned. Our government will always stand up for Canada’s hunters and trappers."

[ Related: Humane society slams Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq for tweeting picture of hunted polar bear ]

Adrian Nelson, the director of communications for the Association for the Protection of Fur-Bearing Animals says that his organization is not giving up on the fight.

"Ultimately the RCMP came to this [initial] decision on their own merits. They looked at the scientific studies on it, they looked at what was best for their members. We’ve been asking the RCMP to change this to the last 20 years," he told Yahoo Canada News.

"So, we’re going to continue to push the RCMP to stick to their guns on this and do what’s right for there members. And ultimately not give in to the pressures of Parliament."

Nelson’s association has started a petition that he hopes can be used to pressure the RCMP brass and members of parliament.

And about being called “radical” by a cabinet minister in the Government of Canada — he’s not concerned.

"I think the Conservative MPs think that everything is radical. I think they probably think Justin Trudeau’s hair is radical," Nelson quipped.

"We’re a wildlife protection association. We’ve been around since the 40’s. We work with a lot of municipalities , a lot of government agents on wildlife control and ways of protecting our ecosystems.

"So to call us radical just furthers her…pro-fur agenda."

Perhaps you can add the anti-fur lobby to the growing list of interest groups that are furious at the Harper government.

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