Organization Profile - James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement

Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

The James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA) was signed in 1975 as part of a commitment by the Canadian Government to deal with land issues dating back to the 1800s. The Agreement was one of Canada’s first modern land claim settlements and includes as its major components a land regime; environment and social protection; local government provisions; education; hunting, fishing and trapping provisions; economic development; health and social services; and the role of the federal government.

The Administrator is appointed by the Governor in Council upon recommendation by the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.

The President of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is, ex officio, the Administrator.

In the event of the absence or incapacity of the President or a vacancy in that office, any person acting as the President for the time being pursuant to subsection 65(4) or 65(5) of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, is ex officio, the Administrator.