YELLOWKNIFE (February 24, 2014) – The new Land Use and Sustainability Framework is a critical piece of the legislative and policy framework that will guide the Government of the Northwest Territories’ decisions as it takes on new responsibilities for regulating public land, water and resources in the Northwest Territories.

“The land and its resources are our common heritage and must be managed to the benefit of all residents of our territory,” said Premier McLeod. “Making the right decisions today to ensure a healthy and prosperous tomorrow for future generations is one of our greatest responsibilities as a government.”

The Land Use and Sustainability Framework is the result of years of collaboration with NWT Aboriginal governments and the public.  It sets a consistent, policy-based approach to land use, ensuring that all regions benefit from conservation and development of the NWT’s rich natural and cultural resources.

The devolution agreement establishes an Intergovernmental Council on Land and Resources Management. Through this council, the GNWT and Aboriginal governments will collaborate within their jurisdictions. The Land Use and Sustainability Framework will help inform our participation in these discussions.

“This is an exciting time for all NWT governments,” said Premier McLeod. “I look forward to our new relationship after devolution. We negotiated the agreement together, and soon we will manage land together. The Land Use and Sustainability Framework will be the basis for the GNWT’s work to manage public lands in the NWT.”

The Land Use and Sustainability Framework is available on the Department of Executive’s website.

For more information:

Brenda Norris
Media Liaison
Office of the Press Secretary
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 669-2302