This is an unofficial version. If you need an official copy, use the bilingual (PDF) version.

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S.M. 2010, c. 48

Bill 7, 5^th Session, 39^th Legislature

The Polar Bear Protection Amendment Act (International Polar Bear Conservation Centre)

(Assented to December 9, 2010)

HER MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, enacts as follows:

C.C.S.M. c. P94 amended

1

The Polar Bear Protection Act is amended by this Act.

2

The preamble is amended by adding the following after the second sentence:

AND WHEREAS the establishment of a world-class facility dedicated to polar bear conservation and education will benefit the long term well-being of polar bears around the world;

3

Section 1 is amended by adding the following definitions:

"Assiniboine Park Conservancy" means Assiniboine Park Conservancy Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of Manitoba; (« Assiniboine Park Conservancy »)

"conservation centre" means the International Polar Bear Conservation Centre established under section 1.1; (« centre de conservation »)

4

The following is added after section 1:

INTERNATIONAL POLAR BEAR CONSERVATION CENTRE

International Polar Bear Conservation Centre

1.1(1)

The International Polar Bear Conservation Centre is hereby established.

Facilities

1.1(2)

The conservation centre consists of the following facilities located at Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg:

(a) an education centre dedicated to the study of polar bears and the Arctic ecosystem;

(b) a natural environment to exhibit polar bears;

(c) a transition centre for orphaned or injured polar bears.

Operator

1.1(3)

Assiniboine Park Conservancy is to operate the conservation centre in accordance with the terms of an agreement between the government and Assiniboine Park Conservancy.

Purpose of conservation centre

1.2

The conservation centre has the following purposes:

(a) to support and facilitate research related to the conservation of polar bears, including research on polar bear husbandry and the impact of climate change on polar bears;

(b) to educate the public about polar bears and the sensitivity of the Arctic ecosystem;

(c) to exhibit polar bears in a natural environment;

(d) to operate a transition centre for orphaned or injured polar bears.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Advisory committee

1.3(1)

The polar bear conservation advisory committee is hereby established.

Appointing committee members

1.3(2)

The advisory committee is to consist of at least four and no more than eight persons. Half of the committee members are to be appointed by the minister and the other half of the committee members are to be appointed by Assiniboine Park Conservancy.

Required experience

1.3(3)

A majority of the persons appointed to the advisory committee must have either scientific training with experience involving polar bears or a background in zoo administration.

Role of advisory committee

1.3(4)

The advisory committee is to make recommendations respecting the operation of the conservation centre.

5

Section 4 is amended by adding the following after clause (f):

(f.1) that the bear remains property of the government at all times;

6

The following is added after clause 9(b):

(b.1) respecting the treatment of orphaned polar bear cubs;

Coming into force

7

This Act comes into force on a day to be fixed by proclamation.