Mandate

The KEAC was established pursuant to Section 23 of the JBNQA and is governed by the Environment Quality Act (R.S.Q., c. Q‑2) and the James Bay and Northern Québec Native Claims Settlement Act (S.C. 1976‑1979, c. 32). The KEAC is a consultative body to responsible governments in matters relating to environmental and social protection in Nunavik. As such, it is the preferential and official forum for the governments of Canada and Québec, the KRG and the Northern villages.

The KEAC’s mandate is to:

• oversee the administration and management of the environmental and social protection regime established pursuant to Section 23 of the JBNQA;
• advise the governments on major issues relating to the implementation of the environmental and social protection regime and the land use regime;
• study and make recommendations to laws, regulations, policies and administrative procedures relating to the natural and social environments as well as land use.
• advise the governments and the KRG whenever they create or amend laws, regulations and policies relating to the natural and social environments as well as land use;
• study the mechanisms and the environmental and social impact assessment and review procedure for the region, as well as make recommendations.

The KEAC may also provide technical assistance to the Northern villages and the KRG.

All the decisions and recommendations of the KEAC are communicated to the governments of Québec and Canada, as well as to the local and regional governments concerned, for information purposes and appropriate action.