Modernization of the Canada Lands Surveys Act
Consultation status: Currently in Phase 1 - Determine Indigenous engagement methodology
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is actively collaborating with Indigenous Peoples, governments and organizations on modernizing the Canada Lands Surveys Act in further recognition and support of their inherent right to self-determination and to align with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and other federal Indigenous reconciliation principles.
About this consultation
The Canada Lands Surveys Act provides a policy framework for regulating land surveying on Canada Lands. Canada Lands include lands in the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut; more than 3,100 First Nations reserve lands; Canada’s national and historic parks; and Canada’s offshore area as defined in Section 24 of the Act.
The wording of the Act does not reflect or support the significant advances made by Indigenous Peoples in the aspects of land management and self-governance. The primary goals of modernizing the Act are to:
- recognize Indigenous self-governance through aligning the Act to support the new First Nation Land Governance Registry
- replace outdated colonial terminology and concepts within the Act
- incorporate approval processes and service provisions for Indigenous governments
Participate by providing feedback
NRCan will engage with Indigenous Peoples, governments and organizations during the different phases of the six-phase engagement process.
Phase 1: Determine Indigenous engagement methodology
Current phaseA crucial first step is to determine the most effective methods as to how Indigenous Peoples, governments and organizations may want to provide feedback on this modernization process.
Phase 2: Engagement part 1
Winter 2025Timely and meaningful engagement with First Nations whose land transactions will be registered in the First Nation Land Governance Registry, to ensure the Act will support the Registry.
Phase 3: Engagement part 2
Winter 2025Timely and meaningful engagement with Indigenous Peoples, governments, and organizations for considerations to modernize and replace the colonial terminology, concepts, process and provisions of the Act.
Phase 4: What we heard
Spring 2026Confirmation of what was heard in Phase 1-3 and further engagement with Indigenous groups based on the feedback received in previous phases.
Phase 5: Legislative design
Fall 2026NRCan begins to draft instructions for the proposed amendments to the Canada Lands Surveys Act with the Department of Justice (DoJ).
Phase 6: Final wrap-up
NRCan will follow Canada’s legislative process to make changes to the Canada Lands Surveys Act.
How to get involved
Natural Resources Canada will engage with Indigenous Peoples, governments and organizations over the next two years through the preferred engagement method determined in Phase 1.
If you would like to obtain more information on this engagement initiative or are interested in participating, please contact us by email at: sgb-dag@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
Who we are consulting
- First Nations whose land transactions will be registered in the First Nation Land Governance Registry (engagement part 1)
- Indigenous Peoples, organizations and governments (engagement part 2)
Results
Summary results of the engagement initiative will be published here online when available.
Related links
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