Introduction

THE PURPOSE of this NWMB hearing is to publicly consider proposed modifications to the current Regional Total Allowable Harvest for the Western Hudson Bay Polar Bear Population, as set out in the Government of Nunavut’s Department of Environment Proposal for NWMB Decision (DOE Proposal), filed with the NWMB - in Inuktitut and English - on March 14th 2007.

The hearing is scheduled to take place on April 24th and 25th 2007, during the NWMB’s Regular Meeting No. 51, to be held in Arviat, Nunavut, from April 24th to 26th 2007.

Rulings

1. The hearing shall be open to the public, with notice provided to the public at least 30 days prior to the commencement of the hearing. Part of the hearing may be conducted in camera, where the NWMB considers that confidential or sensitive matters may be disclosed or discussed.
2. Any interested person or body may file with the NWMB a written response submission to the DOE Proposal – duly translated into Inuktitut or English as the case may be – by no later than 5:00 PM, April 11th 2007.
3. The requirement for translation of submissions filed with the NWMB does not apply to individual members of the public.
4. All translated submissions filed with the NWMB by DOE, the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS), Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) or the Kivalliq Wildlife Board (KWB) shall be provided by that body, at the date and time of filing, to the other three bodies.
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. The NWMB shall provide simultaneous English and Inuktitut translation at the hearing, to the extent reasonably possible.
7. A quorum of NWMB members shall be present at the hearing.
8. The NWMB shall make every effort to ensure that all participants at the hearing are treated with respect.
9. Any representative or agent of the Government of Canada or Government of Nunavut, any Hunters and Trappers Organization or Regional Wildlife Organization, any Inuk, and any other person or body whom the NWMB considers appropriate, shall be accorded the status of party at the hearing.
10. 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.
11. The NWMB shall provide a reasonable opportunity for oral presentations from DOE, CWS, NTI, the KWB, or any other party at the hearing by their choice of official, expert or counsel.
12. Any member of the NWMB, the NWMB’s Director of Wildlife or the NWMB’s legal counsel may ask relevant questions of any party at the hearing.
13. DOE, CWS, NTI, the KWB or any other party may ask relevant questions of any other party at the hearing.
14. The NWMB shall provide members of the public in attendance at the hearing a reasonable opportunity to make statements and to ask questions of the parties and the NWMB.
15. Every person at the hearing wishing to speak or ask a question shall raise his or her hand, and shall only speak once the NWMB Chairperson has recognized him or her.
16. The NWMB Chairperson reserves the right to place reasonable time limits on presentations, statements and questions.
17. The NWMB shall make an audio recording of the hearing available upon request.

Agenda

NUNAVUT WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT BOARD AGENDA: Public Hearing for Western Hudson Bay Polar Bear Arviat: Apr 24, 2007 — Apr 25, 2007

DAY ONE: