Polar Bear Technical Committee (PBTC)

The Polar Bear Technical Committee or PBTC supports the Polar Bear Administrative Committee (PBAC) by reviewing scientific research and Indigenous Traditional Knowledge and providing the PBAC with an annual status assessment of the polar bear subpopulations in Canada. PBTC was established by the members of PBAC in 1970and includes representatives from each jurisdiction where polar bears are found (Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, Québec, and the Yukon). Representatives include provincial and territorial government scientists, experts from within Indigenous user groups, Wildlife Management Boards, and ex-officio members from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the United States Geological Society, the North Slope Borough, and the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, whom Canada works with in managing shared populations.


Polar Bear Technical Committee (PBTC) Executive Summary

The PBTC meeting is an opportunity for all committee members to review technical issues and updates related to polar bear research and management initiatives. The PBTC meets once per year. The most recent meeting was held from January 31 to February 3, 2023.

Outcomes from recent PBTC meetings can be found below: