YELLOWKNIFE (June 20, 2013) – Minister of Environment and Natural Resources Michael Miltenberger welcomed news that the federal NWT Surface Rights Board Act received royal assent on Tuesday.

“This legislation fulfills a commitment in the Tlicho, Gwich’in and Sahtu land claims,” said Minister Miltenberger. “It creates a board of NWT residents who will resolve disputes between land owners and those who want access. Almost all of our land matters can be dealt with through existing processes. But in the rare cases where there are disputes between surface and subsurface rightsholders, this board will avoid costly, lengthy court cases. This is an important step in completing the regulatory system in the NWT and new territorial legislation will maintain the board’s role after devolution.” 

The new board provides consistency and a fair process for all NWT landowners and occupants, such as leaseholders on Crown lands. It will replace the temporary arbitration systems that were set up under the Tlicho, Sahtu and Gwich’in land claim agreements for settlement lands. Both Nunavut and Yukon have had similar surface rights legislation for several years. Only one dispute has been heard.

The regional arbitration panels throughout the NWT will maintain their current responsibilities under the land claim agreements, but will no longer be required to deal with surface and subsurface access disputes. The new board will serve all NWT residents, whether they live on private, settlement, or leased public lands.

During consultations on the bill, the GNWT presented to the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources. A map showing major surface and subsurface rightsholders in the NWT is available here.

Federal backgrounder: NWT Surface Rights Board Act

Federal FAQ: NWT Surface Rights Board Act

For more information: 

Shaun Dean
Press Secretary
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel:         (867) 669-2304
Email:    shaun_dean@gov.nt.ca