The Government of Canada, the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (Parties) are committed to a Nunavut Land Use Plan that provides clear, durable and comprehensive direction for land use across the territory. After careful review of the 2023 Recommended Nunavut Land Use Plan (Recommended Plan), the Parties have each arrived at the decision that there remains further work to do in cooperation with the Nunavut Planning Commission and the Recommended Plan cannot be accepted at this time, as currently drafted.
Getting Nunavut's Land Use Plan right is essential to supporting Inuit rights, territorial decision-making, environmental stewardship, regulatory certainty, responsible development and a self-determined future for Inuit that can endure over the long term.
The Parties acknowledge the significant work of the Nunavut Planning Commission and the contributions of communities, Inuit organizations, governments, Indigenous rights holders, industry and other stakeholders who participated in the planning process. While significant progress has been made towards a territory-wide land use plan, the Parties recognize that additional work is needed to fulfill the requirement under the Nunavut Agreement (Agreement), of an approved land use plan for Nunavut.
The Parties look forward to continuing to engage with the Nunavut Planning Commission, through the next steps of the process. They remain committed to working together, within their respective mandates, to advance a land use plan that provides certainty, supports responsible development and environmental stewardship, and reflects the long-term interests of Inuit and Nunavummiut.
Background
In 2023, the Government of Canada, the Government of Nunavut, and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated received the Recommended Nunavut Land Use Plan from the Nunavut Planning Commission for a decision. The Nunavut Land Use Plan is intended to provide a territory-wide set of policies and designations for land use in Nunavut. If approved, the Recommended Plan would cover one-fifth of Canada's land mass, making it the largest land use plan in the world and the first territory-wide plan for Nunavut.
In order for a land use plan within the Nunavut Settlement Area to be approved and take effect, it must first be jointly accepted by the Government of Canada, the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated.
The Government of Canada exercises federal responsibilities in Nunavut, including responsibilities related to Crown consultation, northern and Arctic policy, environmental stewardship, and federal regulatory matters. The Government of Canada participates in the broader co-management framework established through the Nunavut Agreement.
The Government of Nunavut is the public government of the territory, responsible for delivering programs, services, and territorial decision-making for Nunavummiut. The territorial government has various responsibilities, including those related to communities, lands, resources, environmental stewardship, and long-term public policy in Nunavut. As of April 1, 2027, the Government of Nunavut will assume administration and control of Crown lands, natural resources, and inland waters in Nunavut under the terms of the Devolution Agreement signed by the Government of Canada, the Government of Nunavut, and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated.
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated represents Nunavut Inuit under the Agreement and works to ensure that Inuit rights and benefits under the Agreement are respected. NTI's mandate includes protecting Inuit rights, advancing Inuit economic, social, and cultural well-being, and addressing matters related to Inuit Owned Lands and treaty implementation.
