The committee heard that the act should establish an appeal process for individuals who are denied permission to trap game, particularly in unsettled claim areas. Bill 3 provides for applicants to receive written explanation for the refusal of an application for a hunting licence. The committee proposed an amendment that would add a requirement for written reasons for refusal to issue or recommend the issuance of a special harvester licence. The committee further proposed a motion to allow an individual to appeal refusals to issue any licence, permit or other authorization, including the option of appealing to the Minister.

The Minister did not concur with this amendment, but suggested that an appeal process, independent of the Minister, could be developed through

regulations, similar to the model established in the Forest Management Act. This matter will be subject to further discussion by the Committee of the Whole.

Same-Day Harvesting

The committee heard concerns with respect to harvesting and commercial activities involving aircraft. The committee proposed an amendment to Bill 3 that would prohibit a person from hunting

prescribed game, including all big game, within a prescribed time after being airborne in an aircraft. The type of game and the prescribed time limit would be set out in regulations.

The Minister did not concur with this amendment, and again, the committee anticipates that this topic will be a subject of further discussion.

Mandatory Harvest Reporting

The committee heard the view that new legislation should enforce mandatory harvest reporting for all harvesters. The committee strongly agrees that harvest reporting should apply as widely as possible. Bill 3 avoids potential infringement upon Aboriginal and treaty rights by dealing with harvest reporting in regulations, in cooperation with Aboriginal governments. The committee supports this approach, but agrees it could be strengthened by amending the bill to include harvest reporting provisions. The committee further recommends that the department work with Aboriginal governments, renewable resource boards, and all other stakeholders to ensure that as many harvesters as possible report their harvest in a way that promotes a consistent, cooperative approach to responsible wildlife management, including population monitoring and sustainability for game species that withstand considerable harvesting.

The motivation for harvest reporting is stewardship-focussed. Creating a culture of harvest reporting for big game is a proactive, conservation-oriented approach to managing wildlife populations and ensuring sustained harvest for all.

The committee moved that the bill be amended to specify that a person who harvests wildlife shall report the wounding, killing or capture of big game or other prescribed wildlife, within a time frame specified in regulations. The Minister did not concur, explaining that it was preferable to deal with harvest reporting requirements under regulations only, in cooperation with Aboriginal governments and local harvesting organizations. This topic will be subject to further discussion by the Committee of the Whole.

Mr. Speaker, with your concurrence, I would like to turn it now over to Mr. Blake. Mahsi.