NUNAVUT WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT BOARD

MINUTES: CONFERENCE CALL No. 66

TUESDAY, 18 MARCH 2003

Agenda
Opening by Chairperson
Swearing-in Ceremony for New Member
Review/Approval of Agenda
Review/Decision on Extended Role in Wildlife Management for NWMB
Meeting Adjourned 1:00 p.m.
Resolutions

1. Opening by Chairperson

The Chairperson called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m

2. Swearing-in Ceremony for New Member

Joannie Ikkidluak, appointee to the NWMB from the Qikiqtani Inuit Association was officially sworn-in by Michael d’Eça, NWMB Legal Advisor. Joannie’s appointment was effective February 14, 2003 for a term of four years. The members all welcomed Joannie back to the NWMB as he was a founding member of the NWMB back in 1994.

3. Review/Approval of Agenda

The Chairperson noted that the meeting should be short as the main item on the agenda was to review the additional responsibilities added to the NWMB through the Nunavut Wildlife Act.

4. Review/Decision on Extended Role in Wildlife Management for NWMB

Michael d’Eça reviewed his draft letter of March 18, 2003 to the Minister of Sustainable Development. This letter was in response to the Minister’s letter of March 14th with regards to the consultation process, making a decision on NQLs prior to March 28, 2003 and a decision on accepting additional responsibilities in the Wildlife Act by today’s date. Five issues are discussed with regards to “consultation”, summarizing the need for further consultation with the RWOs and HTOs on NQL articles in the new Wildlife Act. Members requested that Michael provide some examples of additional responsibilities. Michael suggested that Article 66(2) “Critical Habitat,” is an example of this additional responsibility.

The Board further discussed the possibility of holding a consultation workshop with the RWOs and HTOs in conjunction with the proposed meeting of the NWMB in Rankin April 2nd and 3rd to discuss the new non-quota limitations proposed in the new Act. The Executive Director noted that both NTI and DSD had offered $25,000 each to assist with the meeting in Rankin Inlet and were also prepared to send staff to assist with the meeting.

The Board approved (Resolution 2003- 004) to release the letter to the Minister with regards to the Board’s concerns over the consultation process, mention of amendments to Subsection 120 (1)(a) and a request to defer the requirement of a decision with respect to an extended role in wildlife management until the Board has further time to consult on this issue. The Board also asked for additional time to consult with the RWOs and HTOs before making a decision on approval of NQLs.

5. Meeting Adjourned 1:00 p.m.

RESOLUTIONS

Resolution 2003- 004: Resolved that the NWMB write a letter to the Minister of Sustainable Development responding to his letter of March 14, 2003. The letter to give notice of the Board’s concerns regarding the consultation process for the new Wildlife Act, requesting further time with respect to a decision on extended roles of the NWMB and requesting more time to decide on approval on non-quota limitations in the Act.

Moved by Joannie Ikidluak       Seconded by Okalik Eejeesiak

Carried           Date: 18 March 2003