Harper Government celebrates coming into force of rules governing land use planning and resource development in Nunavut
Press Releases
Nunavut Planning and Project Assessment Act (NuPPAA) Comes Into Force
July 10, 2015 Ottawa, ON Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
Today, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, on behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, announced that the Nunavut Planning and Project Assessment Act (NuPPAA) is now in effect.
A key element of the Harper Government’s Northern Strategy and the Action Plan to Improve Northern Regulatory Regimes, NuPPAA brings clarity, transparency and certainty to the land use regime in Nunavut. Its coming into force will help to promote investor confidence in Nunavut, increasing prosperity and economic growth, while protecting the unique cultural and natural environment of the territory.
Comprehensive consultations and close collaboration between our Government, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and the Government of Nunavut, over several years helped to ensure that NuPPAA reflects the unique needs of Nunavut and respects the existing co-management approach to resource development in the territory.
Quick facts
- NuPPAA fulfills obligations under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
- Highlights of NuPPAA that are now in force include:
- Clear processes for development and approval of land use plans
- a “single window” entry into the regulatory review process
- timelines for decision-making
- new enforcement tools for terms and conditions, include monetary fines and possible jail time
Quotes
“NuPPAA respects the unique arctic environment of Nunavut, while ensuring the continued success of the co-management approach to natural resource development in the territory. With the coming into force of this legislation, Nunavut becomes a leader in responsible, sustainable, economic development – a benefit to all Canadians.”
Leona Aglukkaq,
Minister of the Environment
“This legislation is a clear demonstration of our Government’s commitment to work with the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, to fulfill its obligations under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, and to support the creation of jobs, growth and long term prosperity for the people of Nunavut.”
Bernard Valcourt,
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
“The coming into force of NuPPAA will bring clarity, predictability, and legal certainty to Nunavut’s land use planning and environmental assessment processes. This will help to support investment in our territory, bringing jobs and opportunities, while ensuring that our cultural and environmental heritage is protected for generations to come.”
Peter Taptuna,
Premier of Nunavut
“With the coming into force of the legislation, a major milestone in the implementation of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement has been achieved, to the credit of all parties that have contributed. NTI looks forward to pursuing further progress, in collaboration with the Government of Canada and the Government of Nunavut, in implementing and updating this and other relevant legislation to achieve full implementation of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.”
Cathy Towtongie,
President of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
Related products
Additional links
- Nunavut Planning and Project Assessment Act (NuPPAA)
- Action Plan to Improve Northern Regulatory Regimes
- Canada’s Northern Strategy
- NuPPAA: Frequently Asked Questions
- Nunavut Planning Commission
- Nunavut Impact Review Board
Contacts
Emily Hillstrom
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
Cate Macleod
Director of Communications
Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs
Government of Nunavut
867-975-6049
Email: CMacleod@GOV.NU.CA
Kerry McCluskey
Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
867-975-4914
Email: kmccluskey@tunngavik.com
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