10.3.3 The Co-management Decision-making Process in Canada

Presentation Title: The co-management decision-making process in Canada as a best management practice – An overview of management processes and legal context for wildlife management in the Canadian North
Summary: The management of polar bear in Canada is shared between Wildlife Co-management boards (WMBs) and provincial/territorial and federal governments, with the former two having the primary responsibility. This presentation provides an overview of the roles that governments take as it relates to harvest management, human-bear conflicts, domestic and international obligations, etc. One of the strengths of the Canadian systems can be attributed to the co-management system that exists under the various Land Claims Agreements (LCA). Under the LCAs, which are treaties that have been negotiated between the federal and/or provincial/territorial governments and Indigenous peoples, WMBs play a vital role in species management. Such management is based upon both scientific information as well as Indigenous Traditional Knowledge. Management processes, as established under the LCAs, are described in detail, as are the similarities and differences between the various jurisdictions. The presentation ends with highlights of the co-management process and an explanation of why this system can be viewed as a Best Management Practice.