To the Yukon Department of Renewable Resources
Re: Trapline Compensation

Current Status:

In cases where a trapline is withdrawn by YTG for reasons other than mismanagement by the trapper, compensation is paid to the trapper based on the average net profit from the trapline over the preceding three years. Recommendation to not renew a trapline is made by YTG to the Concession and Compensation Review Board where the trapper can also make representation. Of the 30 instances where YTG has recommended to the Board that no compensation be paid, 22 recommendations have been upheld and 8 were overturned.

Under present compensation policies, no consideration is given to loss of lifestyle and no payment is made if the line is destroyed by wildfire.

Where a trapline is affected by development, such as a mining, in order to be granted a water licence, the proponent must demonstrate that compensation has been negotiated with the trapper and if not, the Water Board will determine the compensation to be paid. Where developments do not involve the Water Board or YTG and compensation is not agreed to, the trapper must take the case to the Federal Court.

Concern:

The present system of providing compensation to trappers for negative impacts or loss of their line is confusing in process and unfair in terms of compensation which does not acknowledge factors other than net profit from the concession.

RECOMMENDATION to YDRR:

The Council, therefore, recommends that the Yukon Department of Renewable Resources, in consultation with Yukon trappers, the RRCs and the Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board review both YTG policy and the Yukon Wildlife Act concerning trapline compensation and revise both where needed to facilitate the administration of such cases and incorporate additional factors into the determination of appropriate compensation.