The Nunavut Planning Commission has the responsibility for developing land use plans, which are approved by Cabinet and the Executive Council of the Government of Nunavut. Government departments and agencies are responsible for the implementation of land use plans and the Commission monitors compliance.

The Commission is established under Articles 10 and 11 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.

The Commission has nine members, including a Chair. The Chair and members of the Commission are all appointed by the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. The Chair is appointed by the Minister from nominations provided by the Commission, following consultation with the Government of Nunavut (GN). Canada and the GN each nominate two members and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) nominates four members. The Minister appoints all members and the Chair to the Commission.

The Commission also has two alternate members representing Makivik. These members serve to replace an equal number of members appointed or nominated by the Designated Inuit Organization for decisions of the Commission that apply to activities that take place in Areas of Equal Use and Occupancy. These appointees are not otherwise considered to be nor act as members of the Commission