New wildlife regulations coming into force

News Release

For Immediate Release

New wildlife regulations coming into force

IQALUIT, Nunavut (June 30, 2015) – Effective July 1, 2015, the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) Department of Environment is implementing new regulations under the Wildlife Act. These regulations were developed in cooperation with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) and the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board (NWMB), and are designed to be fully compliant with the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.

"We are implementing these regulations to uphold Inuit harvesting rights," said Environment Minister Johnny Mike. "These new regulations are largely deregulatory and will remove a number of unnecessary provisions left over from the previous Wildlife Act adopted from the Northwest Territories. Today marks an important milestone for wildlife management in Nunavut."

"Article 5 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement enables wildlife management partners to develop an effective system of wildlife management that complements Inuit harvesting rights and priorities, and recognizes Inuit systems of wildlife management. The implementation of the regulations empowers Inuit and incorporates the traditional customs and practices of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in the official laws of the new Nunavut Wildlife Act," said NTI Vice-President James Eetoolook.

The new regulations make changes to the wildlife management system in Nunavut, including new reporting requirements for wildlife related businesses, licence requirements for companies involved in wildlife viewing or filmmaking, and changes in fees for those people who require licences.

Nunavut’s Wildlife Act was approved by the Legislative Assembly in 2003 and brought into force in 2005. The new regulations, which simultaneously reflect the needs of News releases are available in Inuktitut, English, Inuinnaqtun and French on www.gov.nu.ca. Tuhaqtaghat ittut Inuktitut, Qablunaatitut, Inuinnaqtun Uiviititullu talvani www.gov.nu.ca. Les communiqués de presse sont disponibles en inuktitut, en anglais, en inuinnaqtun et en français à : www.gov.nu.ca. Communications

Nunavummiut and follow national standards, were developed through a working group consisting of representatives from the GN, NTI, the NWMB and the three regional wildlife organizations. This collaborative approach, along with a series of public hearings held in 2006 and 2007, ensures that the new regulations meet the unique needs of Nunavut.

These new regulations represent the ongoing, concerted efforts to ensure that all Nunavummiut are able to benefit from the territory’s rich natural resources.

For more information about the new regulations and how they might affect you, please visit env.gov.nu.ca or talk to your local conservation officer.

###

Media Contact:

Tana SilverlandManager of Communications, Education and OutreachDepartment of EnvironmentTel.: 867-975-7761@email

Kerry McCluskeyDirector of CommunicationsTel.: (867) 975-4914 Toll-free: 1-888-646-0006Cell: 867-222-2893@emailwww.tunngavik.com