Harper Government celebrates coming into force of rules governing land use planning and resource development in Nunavut

Nunavut Planning and Project Assessment Act (NuPPAA) Now In Force

OTTAWA, July 10, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - 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.

Associated Links

• NuPPAA: Coming Into Force {Link to new page}

Related 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

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SOURCE Government of Canada

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