Canada Goose – Fur Policy
CANADA GOOSE POLICY ON THE HUMANE TREATMENT OF ANIMALS
Canada Goose is deeply committed to the preservation of our global environment and the humane treatment of animals. As an authentically Canadian company, the environment and ethical treatment of animals are central to our values. They consistently make commitments based on these values that guide the ways in which we do business. They recognize that because they use animal products in our garments, questions may arise regarding these commitments and our practices. It is important to us that our position on these matters, as well as the reasons for and nature of the company’s use of animal products are made widely available.
Since the early production of Canada Goose products, they have used Coyote fur in the manufacture of many of their parkas and jackets. From the beginning they have closely examined and considered the use of these products from both an ethical and conservationist perspective. They are firm in their belief that these ethics are sound.
They use Coyote fur for functional purposes. The jackets are, and always have been used in the coldest places on earth. In such climates, where skin can freeze in an instant, the coyote fur creates a warm environment in the most critical area around the face. The warm pocket of air can keep exposed skin from freezing and getting frost-bitten. It is for precisely this reason that the cultures of centuries past used fur for protection against the extreme cold.
The fur that they use is acquired in accordance with the regulations developed and enforced by the provincial and territorial wildlife departments.
The fur industry is an excellent example of an industry based on sustainable use. Absolutely no endangered species are used. In the Canadian fur trade, government wildlife officials and biologists ensure responsible use by establishing controlled hunting and trapping, harvest quotas, licensing, and training courses. Strict government regulations ensure that these quotas and seasons are respected.
Canada Goose complies with all such industry and government guidelines. More importantly, we they take pride in the fact that by supporting this sustainable industry we are also supporting the native Canadian communities of the North and their centuries-old ways of life that are now being threatened. These communities are ethical in their fundamental approach to hunting: They identify with the value systems of these communities, and make a commitment that carries over to the way we do business:
Canada Goose does not buy fur from farms of any sort – ever.
The environmental benefits to using a natural product are clear when compared with the use of synthetics that are sometimes described as an “ethical” alternative to real fur. Many anti-fur advocacy groups fail to take into account the environmental impact of the production of synthetic fur. The chemical by-products of this production process have the potential to do more harm to the environment than the use of the fur from animals that are hunted as part of an ancient way of life that balances the needs of people and wildlife.
There are never simplistic solutions for complex problems. Canada Goose is proud of the principled, responsible and humane approach that we consistently take in making our products. Nonetheless we recognize that there are some who oppose the use of animal fur under any circumstances. In stating our views and practices, we hope to promote the kind of transparency and context that will inform a reasoned discussion, one that moves beyond the shrill finger-pointing that often characterizes both sides of the debate. Good corporate citizenship requires openness and a willingness to listen to all sides on the issues that affect us all.
