The federal government has bolstered water policy in Nunavut with the implementation of the Nunavut Waters Regulations under the Nunavut Surface Rights Tribunal Act. The new policies aim to strengthen existing environmental protections for the area, while simultaneously encouraging sustainable, responsible resource development.
According to a release, the new regulations will include the addition of an approved use of water or deposit of waster without a licence regime, establishment of a minimum threshold for an approved use of water and/or deposit of waste without a licence, a simplification of schedules relating to use of water and deposit of waste, the establishment of additional water management areas, and improved spill reporting and record keeping.
For more on water policy in Nunavut and all of Canada’s provinces and territories, see Water Canada’s May/June 2013 issue.