A long-awaited plan designed to guide how land and water are managed across Nunavut has been sent back for further work after the federal government, the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) concluded that it is not yet ready for approval.
The decision marks another chapter in a process that has been underway for almost two decades. Since 2007, the Nunavut Planning Commission has produced four draft versions of the territory-wide land-use plan while carrying out one of the most extensive consultation processes ever undertaken in the territory.
Over the years, the commission organized hundreds of public meetings, technical workshops, hearings and interviews across Nunavut’s 25 communities, as well as in northern Manitoba, before submitting the proposed plan to the federal government, the territorial government and NTI for review in 2023.
In a joint statement, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada said all three parties agreed that additional work is required before the plan can move forward. They also reaffirmed their commitment to continue working with the Nunavut Planning Commission throughout the next stage of the process.
The land-use plan is intended to provide a long-term framework for balancing economic development, environmental protection and community priorities across the territory.
It outlines how different areas should be managed while setting guidelines for key wildlife habitats, contaminated sites, military facilities, community development zones and drinking water protection.
Developing such a plan is not optional. It is a legal requirement under the Nunavut Agreement, the landmark treaty approved by Parliament 30 years ago that paved the way for the creation of Nunavut in 1999.
Northern and Arctic Affairs Minister Rebecca Chartrand said the federal government remains committed to working closely with the Nunavut Planning Commission to deliver a final plan that respects the Nunavut Agreement, supports Inuit self-determination and reflects Inuit decision-making.
Nunavut Environment Minister Brian Koonoo echoed that commitment, saying the territorial government will continue working with its partners to resolve the outstanding issues identified during the review.
When the draft plan was released in 2023, the Nunavut Planning Commission highlighted several important changes. Among them was a new approach to managing Inuit-owned lands, allowing Inuit organizations to grant exemptions in areas where year-round development restrictions would otherwise apply.
The proposal also replaced permanent restrictions in post-calving caribou areas with seasonal protections, identified additional important caribou habitat in the Qikiqaaluk region and expanded the number of Arctic char rivers protected from future development.
Gloria Uluqsi, president of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, said the decision to continue refining the plan should be viewed as progress rather than a setback.
She said the territory’s first comprehensive land-use plan must accurately reflect Inuit rights and priorities while remaining effective for future generations.
According to Uluqsi, taking the time to get the plan right is essential to ensuring it serves both Inuit communities and all Nunavummiut for many years to come.
