Nááts'ihch'oh National Park Reserve – a Proposal

Mineral and Energy Resource Assessment (MERA)

The Mineral and Energy Resource Assessment (MERA) process is the primary means by which Indian and Northern Affairs, Parks Canada, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and the territorial governments cooperate in conducting mineral and energy resource assessments prior to creating new national parks in Canada's north. This process was established in 1980.

The MERA process is defined under Terms of Reference.

Purposes of MERA include:

• Ensure that the economic and strategic significance of mineral and energy resource potential is considered in the national park establishment process in Canada's north;
  
  
• Ensure that in making recommendations regarding withdrawal of lands for national park purposes, the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs is advised on the balance between values of the land with respect to park establishment criteria and the potential for exploration, development and use of that land;
  
  
• Prepare assessments of the mineral and energy resource potential of areas in Canada's north which are being considered for administration by Canada as a national park.