Introduction

THE PURPOSE of this NWMB written hearing is to publicly consider the proposed listing of the Eastern High Arctic-Baffin Bay beluga population as a species of special concern under the federal Species at Risk Act.

If a species is listed as special concern, it means that the species may become threatened or endangered in the future because of a combination of biological characteristics and identified threats.

The Government of Canada’s Department of Environment,  has filed,  in Inuktitut and English, a Proposal for NWMB Decision as to whether or not to list the Eastern High Arctic-Baffin Bay beluga population as a species of special concern. That Proposal, along with other documents comprising the best available information to date, is available for review or download from the NWMB’s website.

The deadline for submissions to the written hearing is May 14th 2010.

Rules

1. The NWMB shall provide notice to the public at least 30 days prior to the deadline for filing hearing submissions.
2. Any interested person or body may file with the NWMB a written submission in response to the EC Proposal, or otherwise regarding concerns with the proposed listing of the Eastern High Arctic-Baffin Bay beluga population as a species of special concern – duly translated into Inuktitut or English as the case may be – by no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 14th 2010.
3. Unless persuasive written and translated reasons are provided to the NWMB for late filing, the NWMB will not consider materials for this hearing that are not filed on time.
4. The requirement for translation of submissions filed with the NWMB does not apply to individual members of the public.
5. The NWMB shall ensure that all materials filed with it or produced by it are made publicly available, subject to relevant confidentiality or privacy concerns.
6. Any representative or agent of the Government of Canada or Government of Nunavut, any Hunters and Trappers Organization or Regional Wildlife Organization and any Inuk shall be accorded the status of party for the hearing.
7. Any other person or body wishing to be named as a party by the NWMB shall make an appropriate request in writing to the NWMB.