Nunavut's land use plan draft is rejected

Nunavut's land use plan draft is rejected – again

Work on the plan began nearly 2 decades ago

The draft of the Nunavut land use plan, which is among the largest of its kind in the world, is being rejected once again.

In a joint news release this afternoon, the three parties — Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and the territorial and federal governments — said there's still more work needed on the latest draft presented in 2023.

They did not state what that involves.

Work on the plan began nearly 20 years ago, and it's undergone numerous revisions.

It sets out which areas of the territory are open for development and which are protected. It also tells developers where projects, like mines, will be allowed and under what conditions.

The Friends of Land Use Planning, an advocacy group, previously warned that any further delay in signing the plan could go against principles established under the Nunavut Agreement.

The plan is a central piece to Canada handing over control over Nunavut’s land and resources to the territorial government. The process, known as devolution, is slated to take effect from April 1, 2027.

Rebecca Chartrand, the federal northern affairs minister, previously told CBC News devolution and the land use plan are still set to proceed as scheduled.

Samuel Wat is a reporter for CBC North based in Yellowknife, mostly covering Nunavut's Kitikmeot region. He has also worked as a web writer and producer for CBC, including in Iqaluit and Ottawa, and for public and state broadcasters in New Zealand before that. You can reach him at samuel.wat@cbc.ca