Thank you, Madam Chair. I am pleased to present Bill 3, Wildlife Act. As the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure noted in its review of Bill 3, Wildlife Act, a collaborative approach and extensive consultation was used to develop this legislation before us today. The collaborative process, which began about 20 years ago, is unique in Canada. No other public government has worked so closely with Aboriginal governments to jointly draft legislation on issues of deep and abiding interest to all.

The road to this point was not always smooth and there were a lot of challenges along the way. But we all persevered – governments, Aboriginal leaders, community members, co-management boards, stakeholders and MLAs. We continued to work together to sort out our differences and fulfill our shared vision of legislation that respects all people in the Northwest Territories and protects one of our most precious resources: our wildlife.

I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work brought to bear on this initiative; without it, this day would not be possible. The Wildlife Act Working Group has been involved in the development of this bill since 2009 when this government decided to incorporate a collaborative drafting process for new wildlife management legislation in the Northwest Territories. The working group included representatives from the Inuvialuit Game Council, Gwich’in Tribal Council, Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated, Tlicho Government, Northwest Territories Metis Nation, Wildlife Management Advisory Council and the Gwich’in, Sahtu and Wek’eezhii renewable resources boards. The Dehcho First Nations provided input on the legislation.

I would also like to thank the members of the Stakeholders Wildlife Act Advisory Group for its deliberations and input. The advisory group included representatives from NWT Tourism, Association of Mackenzie Mountain Outfitters, NWT Barren Ground Caribou Outfitters Association, NWT Wildlife Federation, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines and three resident hunters – Mr. Ken Hall, Mr. David Radcliffe and Mr. Malcolm Stark – who represented the public at large.

In particular, I would like to take a moment to remember a man who was instrumental throughout this entire process, the late Mr. Arthur Pape, legal counsel for the Tlicho Government. Art, who passed away on December 6, 2012, never faltered in his belief that a collaborative approach to wildlife management would not only benefit wildlife, but would benefit all the people of the Northwest Territories as well. Art’s vision was a driving force that helped shape the act we have before us today.

Nowhere else in Canada have so many different groups come together to build a piece of legislation like this. These people, representing a wide range of views and interests, dedicated a great deal of time and energy to develop recommendations, which greatly improved this legislation.

I would also like to recognize the first-rate group of Environment and Natural Resources employees who worked so tirelessly, and creatively, to make this day a reality. In particular, I would like to thank Ms. Susan Fleck, the former director of wildlife, and her successor, Ms. Lynda Yonge, for their efforts to ensure the Wildlife Act would be one of the most

advanced pieces of wildlife legislation in the country. The hard work of these groups and individuals has resulted in a well-balanced and fair piece of legislation reflecting the best interests of all residents.

Bill 3 upholds constitutionally enshrined Aboriginal and treaty rights and the provisions in land claim agreements, recognizing that land, resources and self-government agreements function as modern treaties. The same consultative and collaborative approach used to shape this important legislation will also be valuable in developing the legislative tools or regulations needed to implement it.

Once enacted, this legislation will be reviewed within five years and then every seven years. This will ensure the legislation continues to provide the most current and effective tools to conserve wildlife for present and future generations. Both Bill 3 and the process used to develop it are to be commended. Bill 3 provides the tools needed to manage and conserve wildlife for the benefit of our residents, now and in the future, and reflects the interests of all residents of the NWT.

I look forward to hearing more discussion on Bill 3, Wildlife Act, during our clause-by-clause review this afternoon. Thank you, Madam Chair.