More time for Wildlife Act?

James Arreak, MLA for Uqqumiut, is worried two months of consultation won’t be enough for a public review Nunavut’s new wildlife act.

The act is set to go into effect on July 9.

“I can tell you two months is going to be too short,” he said.

Nanulik MLA Patterk Netser also said the Government of Nunavut has to make sure there’s proper consultation for the act.

The translated version in Inuktitut of the Wildlife Act is due to be out next week, said Olayuk Akesuk, Nunavut’s environment minister.

Akesuk promised “we’ll do all we can” to make sure hunting and trapping organizations and other groups are consulted about the law’s rules and regulations.

Akesuk said the consultation process would be extended if necessary.

During his minister’s statement in the legislature, Akesuk called the Wildlife Act “the most modern wildlife act in North America.”