This section will explain how laws, regulations, policies, plans and programs are generally developed by governments. Some of the higher short-term priorities are also identified. For further information on how to have input and what is currently under review, see Get Involved.
In the Northwest Territories, new legislation isn’t created by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) all on its own. On land, water, and natural resource matters, the GNWT works with Indigenous government organizations in the NWT to develop new (or amend existing) legislation. For further information on how GNWT works with Indigenous governments, see here. GNWT may also seek input and feedback from experts, known stakeholders, and the general public.
The federal government also develops its own legislation, regulations, policies, plans, and programs. There may be opportunities for input into discussion papers, House of Commons or Senate committee hearings, draft regulation review and similar public engagement. For further information see Get Involved.
In the Northwest Territories, legislation is debated, approved and assented into law in the Legislative Assembly. But this legislation is not created in a vacuum: many governments, organizations and members of the public can and should be involved in the law-making process.
The Government of Canada is developing new regulations under the Fisheries Act to allow the discharge of tailings water tar sands operations in northern Alberta that has the potential to affect waters that flow in the NWT.
Under the NWT Devolution Agreement, there is a requirement to review the delegation of authority to GNWT over lands, water and other resources. This was to take place in 2019 but has not yet begun and it is not clear whether there will be any opportunities for public involvement. Changes to the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act (MVRMA) may be required following this review.
The federal government is leading efforts to conduct a Regional Study (similar to a strategic environmental assessment) under the MVRMA. It is not clear whether and when the public will be involved in the development of this initiative being negotiated with Indigenous governments and GNWT.
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is updating legislation related to land, water, and natural resource management. Why now? It all stems from the GNWT’s 2014 devolution agreement with Canada, which saw the GNWT take on new responsibilities from the federal government. For further information see below and Get Involved.
One of the intended goals of devolution is to apply the knowledge and experience of Northwest Territories residents to create the rules that guide responsible management of the NWT’s lands, waters, and natural resources.
The current work to amend, update and rewrite legislation should:
Find out how the following agreements, acts, policies, reports, and plans influence the development of Northern legislation.
