What’s in Place
When a bill is passed in the NWT’s Legislative Assembly and then given assent by the NWT’s Commissioner, it becomes an act. When the act comes into force, it becomes enforceable as law. For more information on how legislation is developed and reviewed, see Making the Rules.
Simply put, an act sets out general, bigger picture rules for how things should be done. It gives legal definition to important terms and it states who or what has the authority to make and enforce decisions.
Regulations are often needed to help implement legislation and provide greater flexibility to make changes but public input is not necessarily required. For more information on how regulations are made see Making the Rules.
An act can also be amended in the NWT Legislative Assembly if there is a perceived need by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), if parts of the act become outdated, or if the public demands it.
GNWT assumed new authority over lands, waters and resources under the 2014 Devolution Agreement. Provinces and all territories now have some jurisdiction over lands and resources. There are other areas where there is legislation passed by GNWT that has an influence on environmental management. Here are some examples:
Find out how the following agreements, acts, policies, reports, and plans influence the development of Northern legislation.
