Why does Canada Goose insist on using fur on its jackets?

For Canada Goose, functionality is paramount and our use of fur is strictly for functional purpose. Our jackets are built to be used in the coldest places on earth where skin around the face can freeze in an instant. Using a fur trim around the jacket hood works to disrupt airflow and create “turbulent”, warmer air around the face – protecting the face from frostbite.

We have learned from the native people of Canada’s North and from a major research study conducted at the University of Michigan that there are three types of fur that truly protect people from frostbite. The first two are wolf and wolverine; however, they are not abundant, so not a viable option. Coyote is the third type of fur, which is highly abundant. In fact, in many regions of Canada coyotes are considered a pest as they attack livestock, endangered prey species, pets and sometimes even people.

Why don’t you use fake fur as an alternative?

Some people suggest using “faux” (synthetic) fur as an alternative; however, faux fur is ONLY a fashion statement. It will not act the same way that real fur does to protect skin from frostbite. For some people wearing fur may be a fashion statement; for Canada Goose fur is a functional part of protecting people from the cold.

Additionally, those who suggest faux fur often don’t take into account the environmental consequences of using a petroleum product for aesthetics only – which the sole purpose of using faux fur.

Why has it become fashionable to wear fur on jackets?

The current wave of fur popularity is actually a micro-trend. Fur has been used consistently for hundreds of years as cold weather protection. The only place where fur has been seen to go up and down in popularity is in the world of fashion. And while fashion is subject to trends, Canada Goose is not.

We manufacture authentic and functional products designed to protect people from the cold. We have used fur for more than half a century as a protective device against frostbite to the face. We also manufacture jackets without any fur, which are lighter weight and designed for more temperate climates and aerobic activities. For some people wearing fur may be a fashion statement, but for Canada Goose fur is a functional part of protecting people from the cold.

Why do people in milder climates like urban cities need to wear fur-trimmed jackets like people in remote northern or arctic climates?

Whether or not people want to wear fur is a personal choice, but no matter what the temperature is we know that feeling “cold” is relative. At times, cities can feel just as cold as more arctic climates to some people – our jackets are made to keep people warm, anywhere.

Can you explain the animal welfare that is part of your policy?

The capture of fur-bearing animals in Canada is strictly regulated by the provincial and territorial government wildlife departments. These regulations specify which types of devices can be used to capture each species.  In fact, Canada is the world leader in scientific research to develop the most humane trapping systems possible, and has invested more than $20 million in trap research and development, providing the scientific basis for the Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards that has been signed by Canada, the European Union and Russia.  Only furs taken with methods that meet this international standard may be produced in Canada.  Trappers in Canada are licensed and they cannot renew their licenses without taking training courses to learn how to use the new and more humane methods.

Canada Goose strictly adheres to all industry guidelines and government regulations. Absolutely no endangered species are used in Canada Goose jackets.

We also take pride in the fact that by supporting this sustainable industry we are also supporting aboriginal communities of the Canadian North and their ways of life. Aboriginal people have a strong ethical code in their relationship with the animals they hunt for food, clothing, medicines and trade. We strongly identify with the values of these communities, which are based on a profound respect and harmony with nature.

Is the coyote population really that plentiful?

Yes…
The number of fur animals that can be captured in each region of Canada is determined and strictly regulated by the government wildlife departments in each province and territory, to ensure that wildlife populations are not depleted. With coyotes in many regions of Canada, however, the problem is over-population. Not only is this becoming a serious problem for livestock producers, but there have also been recent cases of coyotes attacking people.

As such, wildlife populations must often be regulated to maintain a balance with available habitat, to protect endangered species, to prevent the spread of disease, as well as to protect property and human life. Overpopulation also leaves coyotes susceptible to disease and parasites. For example, when coyotes overpopulate, they become weaker, allowing diseases and parasites to take hold.  A coyote with Sarcoptic Mange (a highly contagious skin disease) will scratch itself raw and suffer for many weeks before it dies. New trapping systems allow these animals to be captured and euthanized much more quickly and humanely.

Videos and photographs often show steel traps with aggressive spiked clamps that hurt the animals that are captured.  Does Canada Goose use fur from coyotes captured using those traps?

No. Activist groups often portray old-fashioned steel-toothed leg-hold traps, but these are now only found in museums. Modern foothold traps can restrain animals with little or no injuries.  Traps used to capture coyotes are now used to live-capture and safely relocate animals (e.g., wolves and lynx) into areas where they were formerly depleted.

How are coyotes actually taken in Canada?

In Canada, coyotes are generally shot, either by hunters while the animals are running free or after being captured in restraining traps. The traps used must abide by the science-based norms established in the Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards (AIHTS), which has been signed and ratified by the both EU and Canada.

Some online videos shown by animal rights activists display coyotes or foxes struggling to free themselves from restraining traps, but this is because they are being approached by a human. Research shows that once these animals know they cannot escape, they generally lie down and wait quietly until they are quickly dispatched when the trapper arrives. Additionally, many of these videos are quite old and show methods that are no longer used.

Even with the enormous popularity of fur, few companies will speak out about the use of it. Why do you feel that is?

Some companies don’t speak out because they prefer not make themselves targets of animal activist groups, which can be quite vocal. Canada Goose is confident in the knowledge that we use fur as a functional part of our jackets to protect people from the cold.

We recognize and respect the right of people to choose not to wear fur and we offer lighter-weight jackets that do not include fur as an alternative. In turn, we hope that these people will respect our ethical and responsible use of fur.