As you are probably aware, NWT and federal laws and policy require permits and licenses
for research. As the timelines for many processes are in the range of several months,
we urge you to contact the appropriate regulatory bodies as soon as possible. For
many IPY projects operating in the NWT, a number of approvals will be required.
Many licensing or permitting processes require adequate community consultation.
There may be federal, territorial, land claim, and community requirements for each
project or each component of a project. Doing Research in the Northwest Territories:
A Guide for Researchers
(hereafter called the “guide”) should be downloaded.
This guide should be reviewed
prior to embarking on the licensing process. Contact information for licensing questions
is provided within the guide. Some general guidelines
and issues are identified below, but please note that the guide has comprehensive
information not included here.
We ask that you start the permitting and licensing process as soon as possible -
at ther very least please read the guide and then contact the appropriate regulators
to ensure they can plan for times when the licensing load will be particularily
heavy.
Scientific License from Aurora Research Insitute
All research will require a Scientific Research License. Researchers are strongly
advised to apply at least three months prior to their anticipated research start
dates. Research licenses are issued through the Aurora Research Institute via our
online application
for a license.
Aurora Research Institute will forward the application to the relevant community
organizations on your behalf.
Wildlife Permits
Wildlife research and wildlife habitat research will
require a wildlife permit from the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
This process is similar to the Scientific Licensing process in scope. Fisheries
and marine research will require a fisheries permit, through the Federal Department
of Fisheries and Oceans.
Other Research: Forests and Archaeological Sites
Forestry-related work will require a permit from the GNWT
Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Archaeological work will require
a permit through the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, which will need to
be applied for by the end of March. Please
see the guide for more information on
these permits.
Environment Canada Lands
If you are working on land administered by Environment Canada – for
example, lands protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act (sanctuaries such
as the Kendall Island Bird Sanctuary) or the National Wildlife Act (national wildlife
areas) you will need an access permit. Several steps will be required in obtaining
the permit, including a Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) screening.
Please see the guide for more information.
Canada Wildlife Survey Lands
Researchers who wish to work inside
a NWT Migratory Bird Sanctuary or National Wildlife Area will require a Bird Sanctuary
Permit or National Wildlife Area Entry Permit from the Canadian Wildlife Service.
Researchers wishing to conduct studies that involve taking, salvaging or disturbing
migratory birds will require a Scientific Permit from the Canadian Wildlife Service.
If your research will involve the banding of birds, you will also require a Migratory
Birds - Bird Banding Permit.
Inuvialuit Settlement Region
For research to be conducted in the Inuvialuit
Settlement Region: on Crown Land in the ISR you are required to undergo an environmental
screening by the Environmental Impact Screening Committee (EISC), which is a co-management
body established by the Inuvialuit Final Agreement. Applications must be submitted
at least 30 days before the next screening meeting to be considered at that meeting.
The requirements for submitting a proposal to the Screening Committee can be found on their web site.
Additionally, if work is proposed
to occur in locations within the bounds of private/settlement lands in the ISR,
a Land Use Permit from the relevant settlement lands administration office will
be required. Extra permits (such as those from Land and Water Boards) may also be
required depending on the size of your research team and number of days spent in
the field. Check with the guide for appropriate contact information.
Work in other
land claim areas may also require other permits, depending upon the activity, location,
and number of people. The guide provides contact information for each region. Work
within National Parks will require a permit from Parks Canada. This process, including
CEAA and YESAB approval and EISC Screening, as well as other steps, may take in
the neighbourhood of 4 months. Parks Canada has an online application. Please see the guide for more information.
Working with Communities
You are also encouraged to respect the spirit and intent of the comprehensive land
claim agreements for the respective areas you intend on visiting by hiring contractors
and other service providers in those areas. You can do so by contacting the respective
Aboriginal governance bodies, for example the Gwich’in Tribal Council, Sahtu Secretariat,
Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Tłįcho Government, Akaitcho Territory Government,
and Deh Cho First Nations. These bodies may have a business policy for you to consult.
Foreign Research Partners
All Foreign Nationals visiting Canada to conduct research require permits. Please
have all Foreign Nationals anticipating travel to the NWT and affiliated with your
project contact Canada Border Services Agency in Yellowknife
or go to the
embassy or consulate closest to their home.