Ottawa curbs water sales in Nunavut, NWT

The department of Indian affairs and northern development is prohibiting bulk water sales from federal jurisdictions in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, according to a new policy announced last week by DIAND Minister Robert Nault.

“This policy is intended to show that although there is abundant fresh water in the Northwest Territories [and Nunavut], steps are being taken to ensure the resource will be protected and used in a manner that optimizes water use within the major drainage basins,” Nault said in a press release.

Bulk water removal refers to water transferred out of a river basin in any individual container greater than 40 litres in volume. There are exceptions for fire safety and road construction.

As a result of devolution, water management in the Yukon now falls under territorial control.