Bill 8: Surface Rights Tribunal Act

Mining and resource exploration companies operating in Nunavut are the most directly affected — anyone who holds a mineral right granted by the Commissioner or the Crown and needs access to Inuit-owned or other privately held land will have to go through this Tribunal if they can't get consent from the designated Inuit organization or landowner. Businesses engaged in commercial activities that require crossing Inuit-owned lands — such as transportation or logistics companies supporting resource projects — also need to navigate the Tribunal's entry order process. Developers of all sizes, from small prospectors filing parcel-by-parcel applications to large industrial operators, face strict requirements to attempt good-faith negotiations before applying, submit written compensation offers, and pay at least 80% of agreed compensation before exercising any access rights. Companies involved in marine transportation associated with commercial or government undertakings in the Nunavut Settlement Area face absolute liability for wildlife losses suffered by Inuit harvesters, regardless of fault.