Frequently Asked Questions - Mandate Of The Chief Federal Negotiator

What will be the mandate of the Chief Federal Negotiator?

In order to fulfill its duty to consult, the Government of Canada has appointed a Chief Federal Negotiator whose mandate is to lead consultations and negotiations with Aboriginal leadership and the Government of the Northwest Territories on how Land and Water Boards will be restructured. The aim is to simplify the process for issuing permits and licences.

Who will he consult with?

The Chief Federal Negotiator will consult with Aboriginal leaders both with settled and unsettled claims, the Land and Water Boards and the Government of the Northwest Territories.

What will be his focus?

Discussions undertaken by the Chief Federal Negotiator will focus on structural changes to the current mechanism by which land and water use is managed in the Northwest Territories. Implementation of these improvements will involve amendments to the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act, and may involve amendments to the Northwest Territories Waters Act, and the Territorial Lands Act.

Why is the Government doing this?

Streamlining the Northwest Territories land and water management process will lead to integrated regulatory regimes that will ensure consistent decision making and clarify the process.

In addition, restructuring Land and Water Boards in the Northwest Territories will ensure that individual Aboriginal organizations and government roles in resource management are strengthened and that decisions related to the regulatory regimes have greater consistency. It will also ensure that the Northern regulatory regimes will be strong, effective, efficient and predictable.

When do you anticipate the negotiations to start and how long will be the process take?

Negotiations will begin in May with an initial meeting between the negotiation parties to review and discuss a mutually agreeable schedule. The Chief Federal Negotiator and his team will be responsible for setting up the schedule.