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Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board
Category:	Organisation
Sub Category:	Statutory Body
Place:
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State/Country:	Northwest Territories, Canada
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Subject Matter:	Environmental Heritage \| Land Management
URL:	http://www.mveirb.nt.ca/
Summary Information:
The Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board (MVEIRB)) is a public board designed to undertake environmental assessments and panel reviews with respect to development across the Mackenzie Valley region. It was established pursuant to the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act (1988). The MVEIRB recommends methods of protecting the environment from the negative impacts of development. It also has authority to make recommendations to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development that any particular development be rejected where impacts are deemed too great. The MVEIRB is an independent board separate from government and those bodies which nominate its members. Its funding is provided by the federal government however. Board members represent the interests of all residents of the Mackenzie Valley in making decisions on developments. The role of issuing permits or licenses remains with government departments or the relevant land and water boards. The MVEIRB's mandate is to: Protect the environment from the significant adverse impacts of proposed developments; and Protect the social, cultural and economic well-being of the residents and communities of the Mackenzie Valley. The members of the MVEIRB are nominated in equal proportions by First Nations and government, and are appointed by the Federal Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. The establishing legislation requires that there be a minimum of seven members. The equal representation of First Nations and government reflects the legislation's intention to establish a co-management structure for environmental impact assessment across the Mackenzie Valley.