Yellowknife, N.W.T. - Squatters living off the land have been put on notice by the GNWT.

The territorial government is planning on taking legal action against those who set up shop on Crown land illegally and one MLA is quite happy to see things move in that direction.

Weledeh MLA Bob Bromley has been one of the more vocal critics on the issue and he said it's about time pressure was ramped up.

"I'm very happy to see the action that's been taken over the last couple of years on squatters on Commissioner's land by Municipal and Community Affairs, so I think it is about time."

Bromley said the GNWT has admitted the problem has gotten to the point where the number of those who squat is in the hundreds now.

He said it's not fair to those who are using the land legally.

"There are many people out there who are using the land responsibly, and being regulated under land use regulations and so on, and paying their annual lease fees and taxes."

Bromley added both levels of government are responsible for letting the situation get out of hand.

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