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NUNAVUT WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT BOARD
MINUTES - REGULAR MEETING No.5
16 - 18 NOVEMBER 1994 DISCOVERY LODGE - IQALUIT, NWT
Agenda
The Chairman convened the meeting at 9:20 a.m. Joannie Ikkidluak lead the opening prayer. The Chairman apologized for the disruption in having to re-schedule the meeting to Iqaluit. He extended a warm welcome to Board Members, to the Minister of Renewable Resources and guests.
With the change in meeting location, there were no arrangements for community guest speakers.
Marius Tungilik asked about his swearing-in as an official member of the Board. The Executive Director advised that a Justice of the Peace would be arranged as soon as possible.
The agenda was approved with the following amendments: -That the financial report be moved to later in the meeting so that the Minister of Renewable Resources would have time to make his report before departing. -That the WHISP report be deferred to the next meeting. -That an in camera session be planned for the Thursday session.
4. Approval of Minutes: August. 9-11 (Lake Harbour)
It was noted that the Lake Harbour Minutes required corrections and improvements. It was decided the minutes should be redrafted for the next regular meeting. Gordon Koshinsky requested that the minutes be completed in a more timely manner to allow members to review prior to the meeting.
A review of the financial statements was provided by the Finance Committee. The Committee advised that a six month financial audit had been requested to assist with the fourth quarter variance report required by DIAND. The Executive Director and Finance Committee are to review the report prior to the Winnipeg meeting. Several errors were noted and questionable items reviewed.
6. Incoming/Outgoing Mail Log: The incoming and outgoing mail log was noted and copies of all correspondence were available for review
7.1.1 The Chairman offered the floor to the Minister of Renewable Resources.
The Minister opened by commenting that the Department of Renewable Resources is committed to respecting the Nunavut Final Agreement in all Government programs, services, policy and legislation. If the Board makes recommendations on the management of wildlife, the Department of Renewable Resources is committed to making the necessary changes to implement these recommendations. To ensure the Department responds to requests from the Board, the Deputy Minister, Mr. Handley has been assigned to take the lead in coordinating activities with regards to the Board. The Minister highlighted some major initiatives of the Department of Renewable Resources:
* Through implementation funding, the Department has hired three regional land claim coordinators. These new staff will co-ordinate implementation of provisions of the claim with other staff, RWOs and HTOs. They will also work on resource development projects in the regions under the priorities of the RWOs.
* Formal Memorandums of Understanding will be developed with each of the HTOs. These agreements will be developed through discussions with each community, to provide clear relationships between officers and the community. The Department will also consider similar MOUs with the RWOs for regional staff.
* The Department also provides several grant and contribution programs that support Nunavut harvesters. Based on recommendations from the NWMB, the Department is prepared to make changes to these programs and delegate responsibility for them to the Board. It was proposed that a lump sum payment for the RWOs and HTOs would be made to the Board, allowing centralization and minimal accounting requirements of these funds.
* The Minister recently announced the replacement of the fur rebate program with the new Fur Pricing Program. The Department of Renewable Resources along with Economic Development and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans is currently looking at markets for seal skins. Until this review is completed, a limit of 5000 skins has been decided. The Minister would like the support of the NWMB for the following breakdown: 300 for the Inuvialuit, 700 for the Kitikmeot, 1000 for Keewatin and 3000 for the Baffin. * The Department focuses on promoting the co-management of renewable resources with those who directly use the resources.
In this work the Department will require the assistance of the Board along with RWOs and HTOs in order to develop management plans. The Department of Renewable Resources is requesting the Board to establish priorities for the work that Renewable Resources will undertake. The Department has considerable knowledge and expertise in this area and asks that the Board call on this to establish priorities.
* The Minister will be negotiating with the Federal Department of Fisheries for the devolution of the responsibility for the management of freshwater fisheries and habitat. There will also be a request to DFO to establish an Arctic Region during their process of re-organization, which will focus their attention to the Arctic Ocean and the marine environment. The NWMB will be kept informed of developments in this area.
The Minister went on to say that he felt that the harvesting of wildlife can continue to sustain Inuit of Nunavut as an honorable occupation and is also an option for the youth in the future. He hopes that the Department of Renewable Resources can continue to work as a partner with the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, RWOs and HTOs for management of the resources.
The Minister and Deputy Minister then entertained numerous questions from Board members regarding the Minister�s presentation and other concerns with the Department of Renewable Resources. The Board requested more details on the fur pricing scheme in terms of species.
One major concern of Board members was how the Department of Renewable Resources was planning to review legislation to ensure conformity with the Nunavut Final Agreement. The Minister stated that the legislation was being reviewed however there are two issues, division and land claims and that possibly a new Nunavut Wildlife Act would be the way to proceed. It was noted that creating a new act or amending the present act could take up to three years.
A concern was raised over the financial arrangements with regard to Bathurst Inlet. The Minister was committed to review this issue. It was also noted that Holman Island had withdrawn its application for membership with Nunavut; however there has been no official notification.
7.1.2 Derek Melton, Director of Wildlife Management for Renewable Resources, provided wildlife information items to the Board.
* A generic Contribution Agreement for transferring funds from the Board to Renewable Resources for research on Victoria Island caribou and Beverly Qamanirjuaq caribou was presented. The Board requested time to review prior to signing.
* A Thelon Management Plan update was presented. A management plan must be developed within five years under the NFA; two meetings have been held and a consultant hired. A muskox survey was conducted this past summer. It was noted that the Board had not been approached for approval of this research. A committee meeting is planned for February and the Board is welcome to have representation at this meeting.
* Another item stemming from this discussion was the need for some procedure regarding review of research permits by the Board. This is a major concern and needs to be resolved.
* An update on the National Biodiversity strategy was presented. It was noted that the strategy will be endorsed in May 1995.
* The Conservation Areas Legislation study (clause 9.3.1) was deferred for discussion later in the meeting.
* Beverly and Qamanirjuaq caribou surveys reports are not completed to date, they will be forwarded to the Board on completion. It was noted that the Beverly herd is healthy with a count of approximately 250,000 animals.
* An update on the movement study on Qamanirjuaq caribou was provided. Several comments and questions by Board members followed the report. The Board also requested copies of reports regarding this study.(Handout #1)
* A Southhampton Caribou management update was provided. A commercial harvest quota of 4000 animals has been approved; there is potential for economic development. Board members had several comments and concerns regarding this herd. The opportunity to study sustainable harvest in the absence of predators was noted. The Board also noted that it felt left out of developments with regards to management of this population of animals.
* An update was presented on the Terrestrial Animal/Plant Contamination Study report. Different caribou populations have been sampled and it has been determined that contamination levels are low. Reports have been passed on to the Department of Health for their review and it has been noted that there is no health concern to humans although cadmium levels in caribou kidneys are of some interest. All reports will be forwarded to the Board. It was also noted that the Arctic Environmental Pollution Committee will be meeting in Iqaluit in March 1995 and the Board should participate.
* An update was provided on the Renewable Resources Habitat Conservation Program. The Department of Renewable Resources has published a report on critical wildlife areas for species under their mandate. The Department would like to know whether it should continue with this work and how consultation should take place.
* An update was provided on the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act amendments. The U.S. Government has initiated an audit of Canadian polar bear management. The Board requested that they be kept informed on the developments in this process, and clarification on whether it applied only to polar bear.
* An update was provided on the Polar Bear Management Agreements. Two workshops in February will be required to complete initial agreements for zones DS and SH. Once these agreements are complete, the Department will be looking at a total review of all management agreements. Board members spent considerable time expressing comments and concerns.
7.1.3 Report By Joe Handley, Deputy Minister of Renewable Resources.
* The Deputy Minister provided an update on the Renewable Resource Development Strategy. The strategy is made up of six sections, Fur, Wildlife, Forestry, Fisheries, Marine Mammals, and Agriculture. The objective is strategy completed by December 1995.
* The next item was the Fur Strategy, a brief summary of Departmental activities was included. A Fur Pricing Program handout was provided to the Board. (Handout #2) * The new Firearm Legislation was discussed. The Department has been objecting to training requirements. It was suggested the Board may wish to write to the Minister of Justice, Hon. Allan Roch, regarding the issue of requirements for hunters in Nunavut.
* In regard to RWO and HTO funding, the Deputy Minister indicated that 1.6 million dollars is being provided to these organizations by Renewable Resources. It was suggested that these funds might be turned over to the Board for distribution. The Board requested the Deputy Minister provide the Board with a specific proposal for review.
* The last item was an update on Traditional Knowledge Policy. The Department has a mandate to gather traditional knowledge. The Department is seeking approval from Cabinet for a two year work plan.
Malachi Arreak reviewed developments with regards to investment of the Wildlife Research Trust funds with TAL Investments. Lawyers for both TAL and the Board are reviewing an investment contract that has been drafted. Board members questioned the status of a trustee for the Board, it was reported that there had been no response from TAL Investment to date. It was noted that a budget proposal had to be submitted by the Bowhead Knowledge Study Committee. Funds would have to be removed from term deposits to cover this budget. A question arose regarding whether there would be two trust funds, one for Research Funds and one for the Bowhead Knowledge Study. It was noted that one trust fund could probably be used for both funds. The Finance and Administration Committee requested formal approval to continue working with CIBC TAL Investments Inc. for investment of Board funds. (Motion 95-040)
The Bowhead Knowledge Study Biologist provided the Board with a draft Bowhead Study Newsletter for review. It was noted that the Bowhead Committee had met once in Iqaluit and had since conducted two conference calls. There was some discussion on the frequency of the newsletter and budgeting for the project. The Board was provided with a Bowhead Harvest Update handout and a draft budget for the project. (Motion 95-041)
7.6 Walrus Management Planning
It was noted that letters had been received from Igloolik and Cape Dorset requesting that the Board make provision to allow sport hunting of walrus. Gordon Koshinsky presented a document he had prepared for the Board, entitled � Proposed Process for development of a co-management plan for Walrus in the NSA.�
It was suggested that the Polar Bear Management Plans might be a good model for walrus management planning. Considerable discussion followed on how to proceed with the process, on community concerns, international concerns and studies conducted previously. A fundamental question would be, who would lead in development of a management plan. It was decided that this item would be carried forward to the Winnipeg meeting.
7.7 DFO PRESENTATION - TIM SURETTE
* The Board was provided a briefing document (Handout #3), which included a Nunuavut Fisheries update. * With respect to the turbot fishery and stocks, heavy fishing outside of Canadian waters indicate overharvesting and the FRCC is recommending reduced turbot quotas. The Cumberland Sound fishery could be affected by this reduction as it is considered part of the Davis Strait stock. The FRCC is also suggesting that an International Agreement may have to be negotiated. The Board should be participating in this process. Numerous questions and concerns were voiced by the Board members regarding this topic. The Board decision was that a letter should be drafted to the Minister requesting that the Cumberland Sound commercial quota not be affected by possible reductions to quotas in Davis Strait. It was also noted that the Pangnirtung HTA was taking on more responsibility regarding the turbot fishery by under-fishing the quota, determining seasons, controlling equipment and removing same from fishing areas.
* The next topic was sale of fish by beneficiaries. This issue has caused some concern with regards to legal interpretations of the claim. It was noted that if Renewable Resources takes to court the current case in Coppermine regarding selling fish without a license, this case will provide a legal interpretation of the Law. Board staff were requested to keep abreast of this case as there may be questions. It was recommended that the Board refer this question to the Implementation Panel for review and opinion.
* An update was provided on the commercial fishing closure in the fall of 1993 on the Maguse River in the Keewatin. The HTO approved a complete ban on all gill-net fishing. It will require consultation with the RWO and finally by the NWMB. The request then would be forwarded by the Board to the Minister who would put the regulation into affect. DFO is to continue this consultation. KWF will have to consult and approve this recommendation.
* The Keewatin arctic char stocks were discussed in general, and an overall decline was noted. DFO is doing research at the present time on these stocks.
* Discussion was held on the Marine Mammal Regulations and the use of hard-point ammunition. There was discussion on the availability of 22 magnum bullets in retail outlets.
* Other information items discussed were: - Economic Development Agreement and status of Fisheries Initiatives - International Whaling Commission - Scientific Licenses for 1994 - Distemper in marine mammals - DFO Implementation funding - Priority planning process
All items were provided in the briefing documents to the Board (see Handout #3)
7.8 Selection of Contractor to design Harvest Study
Gordon Koshinsky, Kevin McCormick and Malachi Arreak reported on their assessment of the six leading proponents. They recommended that the University of Manitoba Natural Resources Institute be offered the contract, with Arctic Biological Consultants identified as fall-back. (Motion 95-042)
8.1 SEBBC - Recommendations #1 and #10
This item was forwarded to the next meeting.
8.2 NWMB By-laws and Operating Procedures
The status of the NWMB By-laws and Operating Procedures were discussed. Further work is required. The Executive Director was assigned to close the contract with the consultants and discuss the balance owing. If the computer discs were retrieved from the consultants, the committee could make final changes in the document. Kevin McCormick offered to finalize the package.
It was also noted that the employee benefits package was near completion. An Edmonton firm had been contacted to obtain cost estimates for the package.
The Executive Director was assigned to review the Implementation Manual provided by NTI and provide the Board with a status report. ( Item 12 Lake Harbour To Do List ).
8.3 Clarifications or Amendments to NFA 8.3.1 The Board reviewed concerns about the Isabella Bay Conservation Area and the fact that there may be overlap between Conservation Area legislation and legislation regarding Inuit owned lands. There needs to be clarification of Clause 9.3.1. NTI has been requested to review this issue. 8.3.2 It was noted that the deadline for establishment of the Basic Needs Level for Beluga, Narwhal and Walrus is fast approaching and the Board has to make a decision. It was noted that DFO had done work on this earlier and this could be reviewed. It was decided that this be discussed at the next meeting of the Board.
8.3.3 Article 5.4.2 pertains to the start date for the Harvest Study. This date will be revisited.
8.4 Canada Greenland Joint Commission on Beluga and Narwhal
It was noted that some Board members attended the meeting of the Canada/Greenland Joint Commission on Beluga and Narwhal in Pond Inlet in August. The attendance of the Chairman of NWMB was a very positive factor in this meeting. Consultation proceeded slowly at first but all delegates opened up later in the meeting. It was noted that David Mablick had resigned his position on the Commission due to a heavy workload. The Board had advised the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans of Mr. Mablick�s resignation and it is up to the Board to submit a name for a new Commissioner. It was recommended that the Board authorize the Chairman of NWMB to look further into the possibility of holding joint community meetings prior to the next Commission meeting. It was also recommended that the Chairman�s name be submitted as the new Commissioner to replace Mr. Mablick. (Motion 95-043)
8.5 Prince Leopold Island Bird Sanctuary Management Plan.
The Board passed a motion approving the plan. (Motion 95-044)
8.6 Research proposal � Population Dynamics of Polar Bear in Western Hudson Bay�.
The project had been approved in principle at the last meeting; however some questions needed further clarification. (Motion 95-045)
8.7 Migratory Birds Convention Act and Canada Wildlife Act.
The Board was to have written a letter to the Minister of the Environment expressing concern that the Board was not consulted prior to legislation being drafted.
8.8 DFO - Other Issues - Item forward to next meeting.
8.9 Coastal Zone Conference/ITC Whaling Workshop
A brief report on the Coastal Zone conference in Halifax was provided. Discussion centered around environmental issues and small whales. It was noted that many non-whaling countries are playing roles in whale management. A further meeting organized by ITC was attended in Ottawa regarding whaling. This meeting was called due to pressure on Canada to join the IWC. The goal of this meeting was to establish a strategy to provide the Government. The recommendation from this meeting was that ITC would draft a letter to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans stating Inuit organizations would not support Canada in joining the IWC. Alternative organizations might be NAMMCO or the Canada/Greenland Joint Commission on Beluga and Narwhal. This would satisfy The Law of the Sea Convention that says every country must belong to some international organization that deals with marine mammal conservation.
9.1 Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated Request For Reimbursement
This item was forwarded to the next meeting.
9.2 Arviat Hunters and Trappers Association 1994-95 Budget Proposal
This item was forwarded to the next meeting.
9.3 Southeast Baffin Co-management Committee Financial Report
This item was forwarded to the next meeting.
10.1 - 4, and 10.7 - 8 Request for Funding - Forwarded to next meeting
Taloyoak HTA has requested funding to purchase an old RCMP building for office/warehouse space. Reference was made by some Board members to a new funding program called Infrastructure Program run by Education Culture and Communications GNWT. It was suggested that the RWO in Kitikmeot be approached for funding assistance.
10.6 Request for funding assistance: Sanikiluaq proposal
Lucassie Arragutainak of Sanikiluaq provided an update on the James Bay Project and the Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Management Systems (TEKMS) Study. The study is an attempt to provide the Government and the Scientific community with an Inuit perspective. Work has been ongoing on Land-use and Traditional Knowledge, GIS mapping of wildlife, sea ice etc. Sanikiluaq requires more funding to continue this project, to hold workshops, complete video and compile data. The funding request was for $150,000. The Board advised that further consultation would be required and Sanikiluaq would be advised of the Board�s decision.
The Department of Renewable Resources advised the Board of an upcoming conference called: �Circumpolar Aboriginal People and Co-management Systems Roundtable� to held May 24-28, 1995 in Norway. Department of Renewable Resources asked if the NWMB would support this meeting by providing funding. No decision was reached by the Board at this time.
A presentation was made to Kevin McCormick for his work with the Nunavut Wildlife Management Advisory Board during the meeting.
Marius Tungilik sworn-in as a member of the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board by Justice of the Peace, Andrew Tagak of Iqaluit.
An in camera session was held Wednesday evening, Nov. 16 (Motion 95-046)
In camera session closed (Motion 95-047)
A second in camera session was held Friday morning, Nov. 18 (Motion 95-048)
In camera session closed (Motion 95-049)
The Board recalled issues arising from the in camera sessions. After some further discussion, several motions were passed:
* The Executive Director was asked to investigate retention of a law firm for the Board, with a key consideration being that the firm have no conflict of interest involving other related organizations.
* The Executive Director was asked to investigate rates of honoraria paid to Board members by other similar organizations.
* There was discussions on polar bear management agreements and review of a number of problems common to a number of agreements.
* There was discussion on holding polar bear workshops for populations SH and DS.
(Motion 95-054) Motion to establish full-time chairmanship for the Board
Motion to hold the next regular meeting of the Board in Arviat the week of January 30,1995 (Motion 95-055)
Discussion followed on arrangements for the Winnipeg meeting. The Board agreed to continue the present meeting in Winnipeg the week of December 12, 1994. Motion to adjourn meeting and to reconvene in Winnipeg. (Motion 95-056)
Minutes Approved By: Chairperson
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