Introduction

THE PURPOSE of this NWMB hearing is to gather relevant evidence and arguments in order for the NWMB to establish basic needs levels for beluga, narwhal and walrus in the Nunavut Settlement Area.
The hearing has been rescheduled for September 11^th and 12^th 2012, in Iqaluit^[1]. The hearing will be  held each day from 9:00 a.m.  to 12:00 p.m., and from 1:30 p.m. -5:00 p.m. The NWMB may also hold one or more evening sessions from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Rules

1.      The hearing shall be open to the public, with notice provided to the public at least sixty (60) 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 submission and supporting documentation[1] (initial submission) concerning the establishment of the basic needs levels for beluga, narwhal and walrus in the Nunavut Settlement Area – duly translated into Inuktitut/Inuinnaqtun or English as the case may be – by no later than 5:00 p.m. (Iqaluit time), on May 31^st 2012.

3.            In addition, any interested person or body may file with the NWMB a separate written submission and supporting documentation (reply submission) in response to one or more submissions filed as of February 9^th 2012 – duly translated into Inuktitut/Inuinnaqtun or English as the case may be – by no later than 5:00 p.m. (Iqaluit time), on July 6^th 2012.

4.            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.

5.            The requirement for translation of written submissions and supporting documentation filed with the NWMB does not apply to individual members of the public.

6.            For all others who file supporting documentation with the NWMB, the requirement for translation does not apply to such documents over ten (10) pages in length, as long as each supporting document that is not translated is accompanied by a concise, translated summary (English and Inuktitut/Inuinnaqtun) at least two (2) pages in length.

7.            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.

8.            The NWMB shall provide simultaneous English and Inuktitut translation at the hearing, to the extent reasonably possible.

9.            A quorum of NWMB members shall be present at the hearing.

10.        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 at the hearing.

11.        Unless invited by the NWMB to be a party, 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.

12.        All parties and other participants at the hearing are required to treat one another and the NWMB with respect.

13.        The NWMB shall provide a reasonable opportunity for oral presentations from each of the parties at the hearing by their choice of official, expert or counsel.

14.        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.

15.        Any party may ask relevant questions of any other party at the hearing.

16.        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.

17.        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.

18.        The NWMB Chairperson reserves the right to place reasonable time limits on presentations, statements and questions.

19.        The NWMB shall make an audio recording of the hearing available upon request.

Agenda

Draft Agenda for the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board Public Hearing to Consider the Establishment of Basic Needs Levels for Beluga, Walrus and Narwhal

DAY ONE: September 11^th 2012

 DAY TWO: September 12^th 2012