The NWT Environmental Audit is a requirement under Part VI of the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act to evaluate the quality of the environment in the Mackenzie Valley. It was conducted by an independent auditor appointed by the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.
The audit assesses three key areas: the NWT regulatory regime, the monitoring of cumulative impacts, and trends in the environment.
In terms of the assessment of the NWT's regulatory regime, the audit considers land use planning, regulation, and environmental impact assessment, as well as the role of traditional knowledge in the regulatory framework.
The evaluation of trends in the environment focuses on: the atmospheric environment (including air quality, climate and climate change); the freshwater aquatic environment; the marine environment; the terrestrial environment; permafrost, ground ice and snow; human health; and socio-economic and community wellness.