The GNWT is proposing amendments to both the Northwest Territories Lands Act and Commissioner’s Land Act to improve land administration in the NWT. In some cases, where there is a direct link, this may also result in changes to regulations, policies, guidelines, and procedures.

This legislative initiative is limited in scope and intended to address current operational needs and issues that can be resolved in the short-term. Each recommended action outlined in this document aims to achieve one or more of the following goals:

• align provisions in the Northwest Territories Lands Act and Commissioner’s Land Act (where appropriate)
• enhance consistency in the application of the Northwest Territories Lands Act and Commissioner’s Land Act
• improve clarity relating to legislative authority
• modernize legislation by removing or updating out-dated provisions or terminology
• minimize operational challenges in land administration
• ensure legislation reflects current risks, practices and standards
• provide clarity and transparency to land users

This document summarizes each proposed legislative amendment by identifying the issue relating to provisions of the Northwest Territories Lands Act and/or Commissioner’s Land Act, as well as providing background information, recommended action(s), and rationale for recommendation(s).

The Department is interested in engaging on all of the proposed amendments to identify the best approach in advance of developing a formal legislative proposal.