Overview
Function
The Sahtu Arbitration Panel was created to resolve disputes in accordance with the Sahtu Dene and Metis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement. The Panel has jurisdiction to arbitrate in respect of any matter which the Agreement stipulates to be determined by arbitration and any matter concerning the interpretation or application of the Agreement where the parties agree to be bound by an arbitration decision.
Jurisdiction
Government of Canada
Department Responsible
Department of Justice
Authority
Sahtu Dene and Metis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement (Canada)
Board Composition
The Panel is composed of eight members, including the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson.
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated shall consult and attempt to reach consensus as to the persons to be appointed to the Panel.
Alternate Members
There are no alternate members.
The Agreement does not provide for the appointment of alternate members on the Panel.
Chairperson
The Chairperson is chosen by a majority of the Panel members.
Vice-Chairperson
The Vice-Chairperson is chosen by a majority of the Panel members.
Quorum
Quorum is four members, including one member by Canada, one by the GNWT, and two members by the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated.
Appointment Instrument
Term Duration
A member holds office for a term of five years and may be eligible for reappointment.
Time and Travel Requirements
The Panel meets in person annually for a period of two days.
The Panel attempts to visit the Settlement Area annually for a period of two to three days.
Administrative meetings are conducted throughout the year via teleconference.
Panel members meet more frequently when arbitration is initiated.
Remuneration
Members of the Panel shall be paid such fees or other remuneration as the federal Minister may fix:
Chairperson - $550 per day
Member - $400 per day
Other Considerations
The Agreement is silent on the removal of members.
Members need not be residents of the Sahtu Settlement Area.
Current Membership
| Position | Appointee | Term Start | Term Expiry | Number of Terms | Appointed By | Nominating Authority |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Chair | (Vacant - 5 year term) | Appointed jointly by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, Government of the Northwest Territories and the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated. | ||||
| 2. Member | (Vacant - 5 year term) | Appointed jointly by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, Government of the Northwest Territories and the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated. | ||||
| 3. Member | (Vacant - 5 year term) | Appointed jointly by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, Government of the Northwest Territories and the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated. | ||||
| 4. Member | (Vacant - 5 year term) | Appointed jointly by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, Government of the Northwest Territories and the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated. | ||||
| 5. Member | (Vacant - 5 year term) | Appointed jointly by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, Government of the Northwest Territories and the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated. | ||||
| 6. Member | (Vacant - 5 year term) | Appointed jointly by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, Government of the Northwest Territories and the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated. | ||||
| 7. Member | (Vacant - 5 year term) | Appointed jointly by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, Government of the Northwest Territories and the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated. | ||||
| 8. Member | (Vacant - 5 year term) | Appointed jointly by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, Government of the Northwest Territories and the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated. |