Further to the response provided to the Member for Frame Lake on May 23rd, 2025, the following additional information is provided:
We received approval from Cabinet and the Intergovernmental Council Secretariat late last year to proceed with a phased approach to updating the Waters Act and regulations:
Phase 1 – Targeted amendments to the Waters Regulations
Phase 2 – Waters Act amendments
Phase 3 – Circle back to the regulations to make adjustments as necessary based on Phase 2
A technical working group has been established under the Intergovernmental Council’s Legislative Development Protocol to work through the amendments together with Indigenous government partners. Thus far, three meetings have been held to discuss proposed targeted amendments and the next meeting is scheduled for July 2025. As I noted in my responses to oral questions, members of the technical working group have identified these targeted amendments as a priority and are pursuing their development in an expedient manner.
Significant progress has been made in collaboration with the working group. There are several areas where we are able to proceed to drafting. Additionally, invites are currently being extended to the Land and Water Boards, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, and additional Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations for various levels of participation moving forward.
While we are optimistic given the progress to date, there are still some outstanding issues that require additional discussion between the working group members. Because of the collaborative nature of this work, it is not possible to provide a precise timeline for completion. That said, the Department of Environment and Climate Change is committed to having these targeted amendments completed, including having provided an opportunity for public engagement and consultation, before the end of the 20th Legislative Assembly.
