Overview
Function
The Inuvialuit Arbitration Board has the jurisdiction to arbitrate any difference between the Inuvialuit, Industry, Governments of Canada, Northwest Territories or Yukon as to the meaning, interpretation, application or implementation of the Western Arctic (Inuvialuit) Final Agreement. It also hears appeals by individuals who have been denied eligibility or enrolment as a beneficiary of the Agreement.
Jurisdiction
Government of Canada
Department Responsible
Department of Justice
Authority
Inuvialuit Final Agreement (Canada)
Board Composition
The Board is composed of eleven members, including the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson.
Canada, Industry, and the Inuvialuit shall appoint their respective members.
Of the members appointed by Canada, the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Government of Yukon each nominate one member.
Alternate Members
There are no alternate members.
The Agreement does not provide for the appointment of alternates to the Board.
Chairperson
The Chairperson is appointed by Canada, based on acceptance of the Inuvialuit and Industry.
Vice-Chairperson
The Vice-Chairperson is appointed by Canada, based on acceptance of the Inuvialuit and Industry.
Quorum
No quorum is stipulated in the Inuvialuit Final Agreement.
Appointment Instrument
Members are appointed by the appropriate appointing authority under sections 18(5) and 18(6) of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement (Canada).
Term Duration
A member holds office for a term of three years and may be eligible for reappointment.
Time and Travel Requirements
When there is no arbitration, the time is minimal, with two to three days for an annual meeting.
When there is arbitration, it could take as much as twenty days in a year with additional time for reading material filed by the parties.
Remuneration
Members of a board shall be paid such fees or other remuneration as the Governor in Council may fix:
Chairperson - $550 per day
Member - $400 per day
Other Considerations
Members may be replaced by the respective appointing parties.
If the parties cannot agree on a Chairperson and/or Vice-Chairperson, then the Chief Justice of either the Northwest Territories or the Yukon may appoint them, at the request of the parties.
The Agreement is silent on the removal of members.
*Information on members appointed by industry is currently unavailable and data is not accurately reflected.*
Current Membership
| Position | Appointee | Term Start | Term Expiry | Number of Terms | Appointed By | Nominating Authority |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Chair (Canada) |
(Vacant - 3 year term) | Governor in Council | Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada | |||
| 2. Vice-Chair (Canada) |
Carla Conkin | 2022-04-29 | 2025-04-28 | 1st term | Governor in Council | Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada |
| 3. Member (Canada) |
David Merrigan | 2022-06-02 | 2025-06-01 | 1st term | Governor in Council | Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada |
| 4. Member (GNWT) |
(Vacant - 3 year term) | Governor in Council | Government of the Northwest Territories | |||
| 5. Member (Yukon) |
(Vacant - 3 year term) | Governor in Council | Government of Yukon | |||
| 6. Member (Industry*) |
Tom Huffaker | 1000-01-01 | Indeterminate | n/a | Industry* | |
| 7. Member (Industry*) |
David Pryce | 1000-01-01 | Indeterminate | n/a | Industry | |
| 8. Member (Industry*) |
Nick Schultz | 1000-01-01 | Indeterminate | n/a | Industry | |
| 9. Member (IRC) |
(Vacant - 3 year term) | Inuvialuit Regional Corporation | ||||
| 10. Member (IRC) |
(Vacant - 3 year term) | Inuvialuit Regional Corporation | ||||
| 11. Member (IRC) |
(Vacant - 3 year term) | Inuvialuit Regional Corporation |