Whereas exploratory permits covering the lands described in Schedule I hereto (hereafter referred to as the “lands”) were issued by the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development under the Canada Oil and Gas Land Regulations and extensive exploration for oil and gas has been conducted pursuant to such permits (hereafter referred to as the “permits”);

Whereas Aberford Resources Ltd., Bankeno Mines Limited, Canterra Energy Ltd., Dome Petroleum Limited, Esso Resources Canada Limited, Francana Oil and Gas Limited, Global Arctic Islands Limited, Gulf Canada Resources Incorporated, Hudsons Bay Oil and Gas Company Limited, Panarctic Oils Limited, Phoenix Resources Company and Suncor Incorporated and Mildred H. and Ethel A. Hembdt are the interest owners in respect of the permits;

Whereas under subsection 63(1) of the Canada Oil and Gas ActFootnote ^*, the interest owners of such permits are required to negotiate an exploration agreement within a specified period of time in order to maintain the interests;

[...]

Therefore, Her Excellency the Governor General in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, is pleased hereby,

• [...]

• (b) pursuant to paragraph 19(a) of the Territorial Lands Act and subsection 5(2) of the Canada Oil and Gas Act, to make the annexed Order respecting the withdrawal of certain lands in and between the Bracebridge-Goodsir Inlets at Bathurst Island in the Northwest Territories from disposal, in substitution therefor.