Below is a letter from Minister, Jay Macdonald shared with our organization on October 23rd, 2024:
GNWT is tabling of the Response to Motion 77-19(2): Review of Territorial Land Lease Policy and Procedures, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) committed to the following:
“Effective immediately, the GNWT will also pause collections action on any outstanding arrears for lease fees from Indigenous recreational lease holders where their lease is in an area where they also have an asserted or established Aboriginal and/or Treaty right to harvest.”
At this time, the Department is sharing additional information with Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations about the pause in collections program and how individuals can apply.
The Land Management and Administration Division within the Department of Environment and Climate Change is also in the process of sending letters to all recreational lease holders to share information about the pause in collections program, to ensure all individuals have the information on eligibility and how to apply.
Program Overview
If an individual with a recreational lease is behind on their lease rent payments that means they are in arrears. Arrears means a debt is owed to the GNWT and the GNWT may take collections actions to recover that debt. Typically, the “collections actions” to recover that debt include that accounts are sent to a collections agency after 90-days.
The pause in collections program means that the GNWT will no longer take these actions with qualified Indigenous lessees who apply to the program.
The pause in collections program is an interim program intended to address concerns about collections actions on current lease fee arrears for Indigenous lessees, while the GNWT continues to work with Indigenous governments on a broader approach to the management and administration of traditional use cabins on public land.
Program Eligibility
The pause in collections program is available to Indigenous lessees who hold recreational-type leases in an area where they also have an asserted or established Aboriginal and/or Treaty right to harvest.
Recreational-type leases include:
recreational use lease, including a seasonal use lease
hunting and fishing lease
hunting lease
fishing lease
traditional use lease
cabin lease
How to Apply:
To apply for a pause of collections, an applicant is required to complete a form called the “Application for the Pause of Collections on Recreational-Type Leases” (form NWT9247). The form requests proof of eligibility by way of a membership card or a letter from an Indigenous government or Indigenous organization.
A template for this supporting letter is included as part of the application form. This letter should be signed by the head of the organization (such as a Grand Chief, Local Chief, President, Chairperson, Chair and CEO, etc.) or from an official authorized to identify members on behalf of the organization (such as an Executive Director, Registrar, or other applicable role). If your Indigenous government or Indigenous organization would like to identify specific positions or individuals who can sign this letter on behalf of your Indigenous government or Indigenous organization, please contact Land Management and Administration at LMA-GAT@gov.nt.ca or 1-855-698-5263.
The application form NWT9247 and the Applicant’s Guide are also available online at https://www.gov.nt.ca/ecc/en/services/land-lease-rents-and-fees/pause-collections-recreational-type-leases copies are available at all ECC Land and Water Regional Offices, and at Government Services Offices.
Limitations of the Program:
It is important to note that a pause in collections does not delete or forgive lease rent arrears. Arrears are a debt owed to the GNWT and this program will only pause the collection of this debt, it will not erase the debt.
This program does not include property taxes.
It also does not apply to any other type of leases, including residential, commercial or industrial leases.
Applicants will remain responsible for all property taxes and lease fees moving forward and will continue to receive annual lease rent invoices.
An applicant will also not be eligible to assign, renew or surrender their lease until the lease arrears are paid in full.
Broader Work related to Traditional Use Cabins:
The GNWT will continue to engage with Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations to develop a broader approach for the management and administration of traditional use cabins on public land. The pause in collections program is an interim program intended to address concerns about collections actions on current lease fee arrears for Indigenous lessees.
If you or any of your members have any questions about the pause in collections program, please contact Land Management and Administration at LMA-GAT@gov.nt.ca or 1-855-698-5263.
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