NUNAVUT WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT BOARD

MINUTES: CONFERENCE CALL No. 64

FRIDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2003

Agenda
Opening by Chairperson
Review/Approval of Agenda
Review/Approval of 2003-04 Budget
Implementation Contract Negotiation: Update/Decision
Nunavut Wildlife Act: Update/Decision on Next Steps
Judicial Review of Board Honoraria: Update
COSEWIC: Meetings (Yukon, Ottawa)
NWRT Management Review: Decision
Meeting Adjourned
Resolutions

1. Opening by Chairperson

The chairman called the meeting to order at 10:50 am.

2. Review/Approval of Agenda

The Board approved the agenda with one change, that being that Item 8 changed to discussion on Shrimp Fishing Area 1.

3. Review/Approval of 2003-04 Budget

Gordon Tomlinson reviewed the draft 2003/04 budget with the members. Gordon noted that the first three months of the budget were the old funding; the balance of the budget would be from the new contract funding. Gordon then went through each line item with the members and responded to questions as raised. The Board decided to have the budget July 2003 to March 2004 follow the last offer made by DIAND. The Board approved (Resolution 2003- 001) the 2003/04 budget submission to DIAND with the noted changes.

4. Implementation Contract Negotiation: Update/Decision

The Jim Noble provided a brief update on the Implementation Contract negotiations with DIAND and the other partners. Jim noted that negotiations had broken down and that the Government of Nunavut and NTI were looking at alternative negotiating possibilities with DIAND. Michael d’Eça suggested that the chief negotiator had stated that there was no need for a harvest study in the next 7 to 10 years, maybe the Board should challenge this premise and try and meet him half way. It was decided that there should be a letter written to the DIAND Minister and another to the Chief Negotiator, Henry Drysteck outlining the Board’s position.

5. Nunavut Wildlife Act: Update/Decision on Next Steps

Michael d’Eça advised the Board that he had just received the latest version of the Wildlife Act a few days ago. Michael noted that he had only briefly reviewed this document and had already noticed numerous concerns. One of the most serious concerns is the Governments refusal to recognize the NWMB’s authority under 5.6.16 of the NLCA which permits the Board to establish TAH or to establish levels of harvest. Michael recommended that the Board write strong letters to the Minister of Justice and one to the President of NTI seeking change to the draft act before introduction to the Assembly. The members agreed with Michael and directed him to draft the two letters.

Michael further advised that the Board will soon be asked to make a formal decision with respect to non-quota limitations. Michael noted that to make this decision, the Board should consider consultation with the communities. He suggested that the Board might consider doing the consultation itself in March or April. Michael also brought up the possibility of a public hearing. The members were concerned about this concept as it might be setting a precedent. It was agreed that this matter should be added to the two letters being sent out.

6. Judicial Review of Board Honoraria: Update

Michael d'Eça gave a brief update of the Board honoraria proceedings. Michael noted that there has been an exchange of documents but the court process is slow. Currently NTI legal is seeking a compromise to get out of this litigation. NWMB members are currently at a category (4) level and NTI is trying to negotiate a category (3) at the highest level. The Board decided (Resolution 2003- 002) to have a letter written to NTI requesting that they negotiate on behalf of the NWMB to try to raise the rates of honoraria for Board members

7. COSEWIC: Meetings (Yukon, Ottawa)

Jim Noble advised that two meetings regarding COSEWIC are scheduled in the following weeks, one in Ottawa and one in Whitehorse. Jim suggested that there should be some discussion at the Departmental level prior to these meeting. Kevin McCormick noted that he had attempted to arrange a meeting in January but the Department was reluctant to hold a meeting and now it has been moved to a meeting in conjunction with the Whitehorse COSEWIC meeting. It was suggested that there be a conference call with the other Wildlife Boards and possible a letter written to the new Director General of CWS.

8. NWRT Management Review: Decision

Bob Meldrum of Carleton Financial Group, Ottawa provided a brief review on his work in reviewing the status of TAL Financial Services. Bob suggested that his review showed TAL only 22% above the median, other groups are well over 50% above median. Members asked numerous questions regarding other organizations and other issues. It was decided Bob would continue with the short listing and this would be discussed further at the next NWMB meeting.

9. Meeting Adjourned

RESOLUTIONS

Resolution 2003- 0001: Resolved that the NWMB approve the 2003/04 budget submission to DIAND with noted changes.

Moved by Okalik Eejeesiak       Seconded by Nick Amautinuar

Carried           Date: 21 February 2003

Resolution 2003- 002: Resolved that the NWMB send a letter to NTI requesting that they negotiate on behalf of the NWMB to have the honoraria rates increased for Board members.

Moved by Nick Amautinuar       Seconded by Meeka Mike

Carried           Date: 21 February 2003