Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to working collaboratively with Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations on land administration and management, specifically around traditional use cabins on public land. Our ongoing efforts reflect our shared priorities to develop respectful, transparent, and effective land use policies that support traditional land use, harvesting rights, and community wellbeing. To achieve this, the Department of Environment and Climate Change is engaging with Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations to develop a new approach to the administration and management of traditional use camps and cabins on public land.
This work is focused on establishing appropriate long-term policies that respect completed land, resources, and self-government agreements, while also considering ongoing negotiations. We are working to develop land management practices that reflect the realities of today's Northwest Territories and its diverse land users. Our government recognizes the deep cultural and historical connection Indigenous peoples have with the land, Mr. Speaker.
The work to develop a new approach will take time and must be done collaboratively with Indigenous partners. In the interim, the department has been working to implement short-term solutions to address a number of concerns, including issues around lease rent and lease rent arrears. Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories will pause the collections of outstanding arrears for recreational leases held by Indigenous persons with asserted or established Aboriginal and/or treaty rights to harvest in the area where their lease is located. This pause will remain in effect while the work to develop a new approach is underway. We are in the process of notifying all recreational leaseholders about this program and are ensuring Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations have the information they need to support their Members. It is important to note that a pause in collections does not delete or forgive lease rent arrears. Mr. Speaker, any decision to forgive arrears for Indigenous land users with recreational leases will be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific circumstances of each lessee. This program does not include property taxes or associated fees.
The department has also invited Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations, through the Intergovernmental Council Secretariat, to participate in a collaborative process to reduce lease rents for recreational leases held by Indigenous persons with asserted or established Aboriginal and/or treaty rights in the area where their lease is located. We are hopeful that discussions will begin this fall, and that work could result in an amendment to the Northwest Territories land regulations.
In closing, Mr. Speaker, collaboration is key to this process. We will continue to engage with Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations as we move forward, recognizing their vital role in land management decisions. This work is part of our broader commitment to reconciliation, fostering partnerships, and ensuring that the interests of Indigenous communities are respected and supported in all aspects of land management and administration. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. Ministers' statements. Minister for Infrastructure.
