GNWT enacts new regulations to protect NWT wildlife

Press Release

YELLOWKNIFE (June 28, 2019) – New regulations to protect wildlife in the Northwest Territories (NWT) are set to come into force under the Wildlife Act on July 1, 2019. Known as ‘Phase 2’ regulations, these amendments are the result of three years of extensive consultation and collaboration with Indigenous governments and organizations, wildlife co-management authorities, hunters, industry and tourism groups, as well as the public.

The new regulations address issues raised during the development of the NWT Wildlife Act, including the import of harmful species, the declaration of wild pigs as a pest species, hunter training requirements, and wildlife management and monitoring by industry. Guidelines have also been prepared to support the regulations and provide clear expectations for industry on how to minimize impacts on wildlife and wildlife habitat.

The new guidelines and regulations will help ensure the wise use and protection of wildlife in the NWT for the benefit of all current and future residents.

Quote:

“Wildlife management is a shared responsibility in the NWT. The Phase 2 regulations support the conservation of wildlife in the NWT and represent best practices for managing wildlife, while recognizing and respecting Aboriginal and treaty rights to ensure harvesting opportunities now and into the future.”
– Robert C. McLeod, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources

Quick facts:

The NWT Wildlife Act came into force on November 28, 2014. The Phase 2 regulations are the second set of major regulatory amendments, following those required to bring the Act into force in 2014.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) used the same collaborative approach to identify and develop the Phase 2 regulations as was used to develop the Wildlife Act. This included working with a Wildlife Act Working Group (WAWG) of wildlife co-management authorities and Indigenous governments, and a Stakeholders Wildlife Act Advisory Group (SWAAG) with members from industry, outfitter and tourism groups.
Public engagement on the proposed regulations took place from March to August 2018. ENR met with 38 groups and agencies and received 61 written submissions.
Regulations on the use and possession of drones while hunting are not included in the new regulations that will be enacted on July 1. Although initially proposed as part of the Phase 2 regulations, these regulations require additional collaborative work with our co-management partners before moving forward.
Harvester training regulations, including requirements to take a Hunter Education course, are part of the Phase 2 regulations and will come into force at a later date.

Relevant Links:

Media contact:

Public Affairs and Communication

Environment and Natural Resources

Tel: (867) 767-9231 ext. 53046

E-mail: ENR_Communications@gov.nt.ca

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