NUNAVUT WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT BOARD

MINUTES: CONFERENCE CALL No. 65

MONDAY, 10 MARCH 2003

Agenda
Opening by Chairperson
Review/Approval of Agenda
Interim Approval of NQLs in the Draft Nunavut Wildlife Act
Meeting Adjourned
Resolutions

1. Opening by Chairperson

The chairman called the meeting to order at 10:30 am.

2. Review/Approval of Agenda

The chairperson noted that there was only one agenda item that being the interim approval of the Non-Quota Limitations (NQLs) presented in the new Nunavut Wildlife Act, to be presented to cabinet on the 17th of March 2003.

3. Interim Approval of NQLs in the Draft Nunavut Wildlife Act

Michael d’Eça reviewed the NWMB’s authority under Section 5.6.16 of the NLCA which deals with the NWMB’s authority to establish, modify or remove levels of total allowable harvest or harvesting in the Nunavut Settlement Area. Michael explained that the Government of Nunavut has refused to include the two words “or harvesting” within the section of the Wildlife Act dealing with this section of the NLCA. Michael suggested that this was one point of concern that should be addressed to the Minister of Justice and the Department.

Michael went on to review the Nunavut Wildlife Act Communications Plan as presented by DSD March 3, 2003. Michael noted that there are time restraints on introduction of the bill into the House, but that consultations are required for the Board to approve the Non-Quota Limitations (NQLs) outlined in the draft bill.

Michael continued his review with regards to the call from the Government of Nunavut to have the NWMB approve the NQLs prior to introduction of the bill into cabinet. Michael noted that the Board will have a chance to appear before the Standing Committee to discuss any concerns the Board may have with the NQLs as presented in the new Act. Michael further suggested that the Board request that a “final decision” on the NQLs be provided by the Board just prior to third reading, to ensure that sufficient consultations have occurred with Inuit and that Inuit have accepted these new NQLs.

The Board decided (Resolution 2003- 003) to have the NWMB’s legal advisor draft a letter referencing the above points to the Government of Nunavut’s Minister of Justice, to the Minister of Sustainable Development and to the President of NTI.

4. Meeting Adjourned

RESOLUTIONS

Resolution 2003- 003: Resolved that the NWMB write a letter to the Minister of Justice, to the Minister of Sustainable Development and to the President of NTI outlining the NWMB’s authority under Section 5.6.16 of the NLCA, the Communications Plan and l process for Non-Quota Limitations approval and timing of same.

Moved by Robert Moshenko       Seconded by Nick Amautinuar

Carried           Date: 10 March 2003