Canada and Northwest Territories Strengthen Regulatory Collaboration with Recent MOU

Toronto, Ontario – March 1, 2026 – The Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) and the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) have formalized their commitment to enhanced regulatory coordination in the Northwest Territories through a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The agreement, signed at the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention in Toronto, aims to streamline impact assessment and regulatory processes in partnership with Indigenous governments and organizations.

Strengthening Collaboration and Alignment

The MOU reaffirms the commitment of both departments to work collaboratively with Indigenous governments, organizations, co-management boards, and other federal and territorial agencies. The goal is to improve the clarity, predictability, and efficiency of regulatory processes within the Northwest Territories. This builds upon existing resource co-management frameworks in the region and respects the jurisdictions and authorities established in modern treaties.

Key Areas of Collaboration

Under the agreement, the departments will focus on several key areas, subject to ongoing discussions with partners:

• Legislative and Policy Consistency: Collaborating with Indigenous governments and co-management boards to strengthen clarity and consistency in legislation, regulations, guidelines, and policies within areas of shared jurisdiction.
• Interdepartmental Alignment: Working with other federal and territorial departments and agencies to ensure consistency in guidelines and policies across their respective jurisdictions.
• Funding Alignment: Exploring opportunities to align federal and territorial funding mechanisms to support the meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples and Northerners in impact assessment and regulatory processes.

Commitment to Reconciliation and Self-Determination

This MOU reflects the ongoing commitment of the Canadian government to strengthening relationships with Indigenous peoples and supporting self-determination. CIRNAC’s core responsibility includes advancing reconciliation and self-determination through strengthening Crown-Indigenous relationships based on respect, cooperation, and partnership as outlined in their 2025-26 Departmental Plan. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples continues to guide this work, alongside the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, including those addressed by the first National Council for Reconciliation established in March 2025.

Statements from Officials

The Honorable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs, and the Honorable Jay Macdonald, Minister of Environment and Climate Change for the Government of the Northwest Territories, signed the MOU in the presence of Northwest Territories Premier, R.J. Simpson.

Looking Ahead

This new MOU represents a significant step towards more efficient and collaborative regulatory processes in the Northwest Territories. By prioritizing partnership with Indigenous governments and organizations, the agreement aims to foster sustainable development and economic opportunities while respecting Indigenous rights and traditional knowledge.