Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Advisory Council

Department

Authority

Remuneration

Purpose:

The Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Act (the Act) guides the creation of a system of protected areas in the province to conserve wilderness, representative or unique ecosystems, species, or natural phenomena. The Act (s. 6) also calls for the creation of an 11-member council called the Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Advisory Council (WERAC).

WERAC’s purpose is to provide advice to government on the establishment, management and termination of wilderness and ecological reserves in the province, and for better administration of the Act via the following activities:

• Examines areas of the province in order to determine which areas are suitable for the establishment of a reserve;
• Accepts recommendations from the public in relation to the establishment of, change to, or termination of a reserve;
• Consults stakeholder and public hearings, as per the timelines set out in the Act, to consider submissions, representations and objections respecting the establishment, change to, or termination of a reserve;
• Provides information on areas determined as suitable for the establishment of a reserve to interested government departments, or boards or commissions appointed by government;
• Reports to the Lieutenant-Governor in Council, through the Minister, on the advisability of reserve establishment. This will include a review of the benefits and disadvantages of the establishment, and with a review of the public hearing proceedings; and
• Makes recommendations to the Minister on the management of existing reserves.

Structure:

WERAC is made up of 11 members, with at least 6 of 11 members representing the public. Effort is made to make sure that membership is representative of all regions of the province and is gender balanced. A chair and vice-chair are appointed by WERAC. Each successful nominee must possess the following criteria:

• Significant training, experience, or employment in a natural-resource field; 
• Appreciation for the role of WERAC and the reserves-establishment process; 
• Interest in and commitment to the protection of the province's natural heritage; and
• Ability to work in a committee setting and time to commit to the working of the Council.

The Department will support WERAC and provide secretariat services.

Competency Profile:

Those who make up WERAC should collectively possess the following core competencies:

• Knowledge of natural resource management;
• Outdoor experience such as hiking, outfitting, fishing or hunting;
• Knowledge of environmental education;
• Knowledge of plant biology;
• Knowledge of seabird biology;
• Knowledge of wildlife management;
• Knowledge of cultural and natural heritage;
• Knowledge of protected areas management and/or planning;
• Protected area governance;
• Enforcement experience;
• Interagency and/or Intergovernmental relations;
• Writing skills;
• Public speaking skills; and
• Facilitation skills.

Qualifications:

Members of the WERAC should possess the following qualifications:

• High ethical standards and integrity;
• Capable of maintaining confidentiality and handling confidential information;
• Appreciation of the responsibilities to the public;
• Appreciation for and understanding of the process of reserve establishment and management;
• Flexible, responsive and willing to consider others’ opinions;
• Capable of a wide perspective on issues;
• Ability to listen to members and the public;
• Ability to work as a team;
• No direct or indirect conflict of interest;
• Strong reasoning skills; and
• Previous experience working on a board or committee.

Time Commitments:

Members of WERAC should be available to meet four to six times per year, including any public engagement/consultations undertaken pursuant to the Act. Any subcommittees created through WERAC may meet as required to address the sub-committee work and action items. Members may also be expected to spend additional time reviewing materials, drafting letters, writing or reviewing recommendation reports, assessing nominations for protection and preparing for meetings.

Term:

Members of the council are appointed for a term of three years. The Chair and Vice-Chair are elected for a term of one year, after which they can be re-elected.