The Northern Regulatory Initiative
The Northern Regulatory Initiative (NRI) supports clear, trusted and functional resource management regimes in Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut that respect and reflect unique northern contexts, accelerate responsible project development, and build a stronger economy in northern Canada.
Call for proposals: Open
CIRNAC is supporting Indigenous-led actions/initiatives to inform regulatory processes and decision-making for nation-building and other major projects in the North. Indigenous governments and organizations with traditional territories in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut are invited to apply. Successful applicants will receive up to $500,000 over three years to support their initiatives. The deadline for applications is June 12, 2026.
For more information, and to request an application package please reach out to the NRI team at: Initiativedereglementationdunord-Northernregulatoryinitiative@sac-isc.gc.ca
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About this initiative
Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut have unique environmental and resource management regimes based in modern treaties. The NRI strengthens the efficiency of these regimes by advancing Indigenous and system readiness initiatives that increase project certainty and reduce delays.
Find out about the regulatory regimes in the North
Indigenous community readiness
The Government of Canada is investing in Indigenous capacity, supporting meaningful participation in the regulatory systems of Canada's North.
This helps communities:
- proactively prepare for regulatory processes
- take part in engagement and decision-making
- reduce delays for priority projects
- support local economic opportunities
Funding is largely provided through targeted calls for proposals in priority regions and for priority projects.
Systems readiness
The Government of Canada is investing in improvements to northern regulatory systems. System improvements focus on practical changes that make processes clearer and more efficient.
These include:
- improving access to data used in regulatory processes
- developing clearer application templates and guidance
- creating tools and training to support participation
- identifying and addressing process bottlenecks
Funding is provided for co-management boards and other partners to address common priorities in each territory.
Multi-party regulatory collaboration
Regulatory dialogue forums create opportunities for governments, Rightsholders and stakeholders to come together to identify common challenges, improve coordination and action system-wide improvements.
Example: The Mackenzie Valley Operational Dialogue brings partners together to address regulatory and operational issues in a coordinated way.
- Find out more about the Mackenzie Valley Operational Dialogue
Indigenous-led actions/initiatives
Actions and initiatives such as regional, baseline, and cumulative effects studies provide critical information for decision-making.
The Government of Canada funds Indigenous-led initiatives that meet local needs and fill data gaps. Examples include cumulative effects studies in the Yukon, and studies focused on caribou, roads and mining in the Slave Geological Province.
Participation in land use planning processes
Land use plans guide how land, water and natural resources are managed to achieve the vision and goals for a region. Funding supports Indigenous governments and organizations' full and informed participation in land use planning activities.
Support is provided on a case-by-case basis. Contact the NRI team to confirm eligibility.
The NRI compliments the Northern Participant Funding Program. Together, they support participation across all stages of regulatory processes.
- Find out more about the Northern Participant Funding Program
Red Tape Reduction
The NRI supports the Government of Canada's efforts to reduce red tape.
CIRNAC works with partners to improve procedural efficiency, update regulatory processes, reduce administrative burden, and explore broader regulatory changes where needed.
Example: CIRNAC is working with the Government of the Northwest Territories' Intergovernmental Council to advance targeted amendments to the Mackenzie Valley Federal Areas Water Regulations.
Find out more about CIRNAC's actions to reduce red tape.
Contact us
Have questions or comments?
Email us at Initiativedereglementationdunord-Northernregulatoryinitiative@sac-isc.gc.ca.