The Mackenzie River Basin Transboundary Waters Master Agreement establishes a cooperative framework for managing water resources across the Mackenzie River Basin, encompassing Canada and the provinces and territories of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories, and the Yukon. The agreement seeks to preserve the ecological integrity of aquatic ecosystems while promoting the sustainable use of water resources for both present and future generations. It explicitly acknowledges the significance of Aboriginal and Treaty rights, as protected under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 and highlights the necessity of early consultation and transparent information-sharing among jurisdictions. A key component of the agreement is the establishment of the Mackenzie River Basin Board, which includes representatives from each jurisdiction as well as Aboriginal organizations. The Board serves as a platform for communication, oversees studies and investigations, and monitors the implementation of Bilateral Water Management Agreements. The agreement also delineates a cost-sharing formula for the Board’s operational expenses, with financial contributions from each jurisdiction and the federal government, ensuring clarity in budget allocation. Implementation measures require the Board to convene at least once a year, submit an annual report to the Ministers, and conduct a formal review of the agreement every three years. Additionally, the Board is responsible for maintaining detailed expenditure records, which must be available for auditing. The agreement further outlines procedural guidelines, including the adoption of by-laws governing Board operations and the integration of traditional Aboriginal knowledge into decision-making. This emphasis on stakeholder engagement reinforces the commitment to inclusive and effective water resource management.
Canadá · 1997-07-24