Regulations (Amending) the Mackenzie Valley Federal Areas Water Regulations, pursuant to the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act
On this page
- Title or working title of the regulatory initiative
- Enabling act(s)
- Description
- Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)
- Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses
- Consultations
- Further information
- Departmental contact information
- The date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan
- Find out more
Title or working title of the regulatory initiative
Regulations Amending the Mackenzie Valley Federal Areas Water Regulations
Enabling act(s)
Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act
Description
Targeted amendments to the Mackenzie Valley Federal Areas Waters Regulations are being proposed to update and clarify provisions that respond to changes in the Northwest Territories' operating environment, including the emergence of mineral exploration and government-funded remediation projects, demands to support clear triggers for low-risk mineral exploration undertakings, and the expansion of the interpretation of "water use" by regulators.
Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)
This proposal involves regulatory cooperation and alignment with changes being advanced by the Government of the Northwest Territories to its Waters Regulations. Advancing proposed amendments to the federal regulations will support cohesive regulatory processes in federal and non-federal areas, which will enhance clarity and predictability for proponents, regulators, Indigenous Governments, and the territorial and federal governments.
Potential impacts on Canadians, including business
Businesses would not be faced with new administrative compliance costs or mandatory tasks as a result of these amendments. The amendments will reduce red tape and delays in projects moving forward, as well as encourage investor confidence in the northern regulatory regime. These amendments support a robust and responsive resource development regime while protecting the environment.
Consultations
CIRNAC expects to engage and consult with Rights holders, relevant treaty-based boards, industry, and representative organizations in the spring of 2026.
Further information
Not applicable.
Departmental contact information
Rebecca Chouinard
Director of the Resource Policy and Programs Directorate
Northern Resources and Environment Branch
Northern Affairs Organization
Tel.: (819) 962-6759
Email: rebecca.chouinard@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca
The date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan
August 2025
Find out more
Consult Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's Laws and Regulations web page for:
- a list of acts and regulations administered by Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
- further information on Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's implementation of government-wide regulatory management initiatives
Consult the following for links to the Cabinet Directive on Regulation and supporting policies and guidance, and for information on government-wide regulatory initiatives implemented by departments and agencies across the Government of Canada:
To learn about upcoming or ongoing consultations on proposed federal regulations, visit: