Using an open and consultative process, WERAC accepts the following values:
| Values | Action Statements |
|---|---|
| Transparency | The Council will exercise due diligence when considering the opinions and points of view of different parties for the purpose of advising the Minister on matters related to ecological and wilderness reserves. |
| Accountability | The Council is dedicated to providing accurate and timely information to primary clients and to working within legislated timeframes. |
| Responsibility | The Council will work to ensure that the interests and concerns of the public are considered and accurately represented. The Council will use a comprehensive understanding of ecology, and the social and economic impacts on reserves when advising the Minister. |
| Stewardship of Our Natural Heritage | The Council is dedicated to ensuring long term conservation and preservation of our natural heritage, using best available science and local knowledge. |
| Appreciation of Our Natural Heritage | The Council will work to ensure appreciation of protected areas. This will include engaging the public and supporting appropriate activities in reserves. |
The council’s lines of business include:
- Examining areas of the province in order to determine which areas are suitable for the establishment of a reserve (i.e., three criteria guide reserve creation; large wilderness areas, ecosystem representation and rare natural phenomena)
- Accepting recommendations from the public in relation to the establishment of, change to, or termination of a reserve (i.e., through presentations, letters of nomination, etc.)
- Consulting stakeholders and conducting public hearings to consider submissions, representations and objections respecting the establishment, change to, or termination of a reserve
- Reporting to the Lieutenant-Governor in Council, through the Minister, on the advisability of reserve establishment. This includes a review of the benefits and disadvantages of the establishment, and with a review of the public hearing proceedings.
- Making recommendations to the Minister on the management of existing reserves.