The Purpose of this NWMB hearing is to publicly consider the proposed listing of Polar Bear 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-Canadian Wildlife Service has filed, in Inuktitut and English, a Proposal for NWMB Decision to list Polar Bear 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.

The NWMB held a pre-hearing conference on December 10th, 2009 to receive valuable input from its co-management partners on the hearing process. A summary of this conference is available for review or download.

The hearing is scheduled to take place in Iqaluit, Nunavut, at the Navigator Inn Salon A and B, on April 13th-15th 2010, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The NWMB may also hold evening sessions from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

1. The hearing shall be open to the public, with notice provided to the public at least 45 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 in response to the CWS Proposal, or otherwise regarding concerns with the proposed listing of Polar Bear 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 March 8th 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 written submissions and supporting documentation filed with the NWMB does not apply to individual members of the public.
5. For all others who file supporting documentation with the NWMB, the requirement for translation does not apply to such documents over 10 pages in length, as long as each supporting document that is not translated is accompanied by a concise, translated summary.
6. 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.
7. The NWMB shall provide simultaneous English and Inuktitut translation at the hearing, to the extent reasonably possible.
8. A quorum of NWMB members shall be present at the hearing.
9. 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.
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. All parties and other participants at the hearing are required to treat one another and the NWMB with respect.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. Any party may ask relevant questions of any other party at the hearing.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. The NWMB Chairperson reserves the right to place reasonable time limits on presentations, statements and questions.
18. The NWMB shall make an audio recording of the hearing available upon request.