Throughout the public consultation process, the committee heard a number of issues that it chose not to address through amendments, but still deserve to be recognized as a high priority for the department in the implementation of the new act.

Regulations

The overwhelming majority of public presentations and written submissions called upon the committee

to recommend that the same consultative, collaborative process used to develop Bill 3 apply to the development of the regulations. Members of both the public and the committee expressed concern that Bill 3 contains significant regulation-making powers, and that it is difficult to determine the full implications of the new legislation in the absence of these regulations.

The legislative process does not allow for regulations to be developed at the same time as a bill. The committee confirmed the extent of the bill’s regulation-making power is similar to wildlife management legislation in other parts of Canada. The department states in its publication of the Results of the 2012 Consultation and Public Engagement on the Proposed New Wildlife Act, that it is “developing a process and timelines to engage and consult with other government departments, Aboriginal governments, co-management partners, regulators, stakeholder organizations, industry and the public on new regulations.” The committee strongly recommends that the necessary resources be made available for this thorough public consultation process. The committee itself also expects to be involved.

The committee heard a number of concerns related to unsettled land claims and land use plans. The committee believes that sections 4 and 172 of Bill 3 are adequate to address these issues. At the same time, the committee recognizes these issues as significant and that they may set precedent in terms of future land claims and land use planning agreements, and wants to ensure that some of the concerns expressed by First Nations governments can be addressed through regulations.

Submissions on Wildlife and Habitat

Many people expressed the view that the process for providing public input into wildlife and habitat management, formalized in Section 16 of the bill, needs to be part of an inclusive forum where all Northerners can be heard. The committee supports the wildlife management process set out in sections 15 and 16 of the bill; however, the committee recommends that the annual meeting of organizations responsible for wildlife management in the Northwest Territories be open to the public to attend as observers with an opportunity to share their understanding of wildlife. The committee further recommends that the department and Aboriginal governments work together to find ways to actively involve stakeholders to foster a truly collaborative approach to wildlife and habitat management and conservation.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to pass the report on to my colleague Mr. Kevin Menicoche.