Mr. Speaker, I have a Return to Written Question 3219 asked by the Member for Frame Lake on December 7th, 2021, to the Minister of Industry, Tourism, and Investment regarding map staking versus claim staking for mineral rights.
Presently, the Mining Regulations outline the work requirements to keep a mineral claim in good standing. Later today, at the appropriate time, I will table a summary of the claims that have been recorded since April 1, 2014.
At the moment, regulations for the Mineral Resources Act are being discussed at the Intergovernmental Council Secretariat table, which will define work requirements at the claim stage. When these work requirements are determined, we will then address requirements for the claim issuance processes related to the Online Mapping System. The new system will incorporate measures to avoid speculation and nuisance staking. The regulatory framework will ensure that any claims issued are within the proponent’s reasonable ability to conduct exploration work. This framework will also allow the government to receive the geoscience knowledge produced from exploration work, regardless of whether the proponent intends to keep the exploration property active after the initial period.
The work to develop online map staking will take into account best practices across Canada and around the globe. We expect to develop a territory-based system with protocols to prevent large scale staking without intent to explore. These restrictions will be an essential component of the new system.
Indigenous governments have been clear that they want a modern system that moves mineral tenure issuance online. The online system will allow for other considerations such as environmental and political concerns. We are continuing to discuss these factors at the Intergovernmental Council table.
Economic and behavioural analysis is ongoing with the Intergovernmental Council. We need to confirm work requirements and other general regulations for the tenure issuance process before we begin significant work on the online system. This analysis will be based on a cross jurisdictional review that highlights the patterns of use and economic impacts seen post-implementation. Development projects must contribute to the economic well-being of all Northwest Territories residents.
Public engagement is underway this spring. Beyond the close collaboration on the Intergovernmental Council, we are engaging with the public, industry, and regulatory boards this spring. Formal Aboriginal consultation will begin next year when the draft regulations have been completed.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
