2-02138

NUNAVUT WATERS AND NUNAVUT SURFACE RIGHTS TRIBUNAL ACT RECEIVES ROYAL ASSENT

OTTAWA, ONTARIO (April 30, 2002) - Legislation which establishes a water management regime for Nunavut received Royal Assent today. The Nunavut Waters and Nunavut Surface Rights Tribunal Act is part of Canada's commitment to fulfil its obligations to Nunavummiut. This Act clarifies the mandates of the Water Board and the Surface Rights Tribunal, in accordance with the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and, as a result, creates legal certainty over the scope of their powers and responsibilities.

"I am pleased that Nunavut has its own water regime, similar to those in the Yukon and Northwest Territories," said Robert Nault, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. "This Act will enhance the economic development potential by bringing certainty and stability not only to the water regime but to the regulatory environment for the territory."

The role of the Nunavut Water Board is to regulate fresh-water resources and the role of the Nunavut Surface Rights Tribunal is to resolve access disputes. These institutions will ensure that residents of Nunavut have a say in licensing decisions regarding the use of water resources and that parties in a compensation dispute can find fair resolution.

"It is important for Nunavut to finally have a legal framework for the Water Board and Surface Rights Tribunal to operate in. Having this legislation is positive for investment in our communities," added Nancy Karetak-Lindell, Member of Parliament for Nunavut.

The Water Board and Tribunal have been carrying out their duties, as described in the 1993 Land Claims Agreement, since 1996 and 1995 respectively. The passage of the Nunavut Waters and Nunavut Surface Rights Tribunal Act fulfils the requirement for legislation clarifying the Board's and Tribunal's powers and establishes a water management and surface rights regime for Nunavut.

For more information, please contact:

Stephen Traynor
Director of Operations, Nunavut
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(867)975-4546

Backgrounder - Nunavut Waters And Nunavut Surface Rights Tribunal Act

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