The Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) has determined that the Hamlet of Fort Resolution is experiencing financial and operational difficulties, and has provided the community government with formal notice of the intent to place the Hamlet under Administration.

This notice provides a 30-day consultation period before Administration would take effect. Under the authority provided in section 159 of the Hamlets Act, the Minister has the ability to release council from their duties and appoint a Municipal Administrator.

MACA will continue to provide support to the community government through the various programs and services offered by the department. The Administrator will be focused on identifying all current issues and developing a plan to provide stability to the community government.  Providing this direct support is an important step towards the Government of the Northwest Territories’ goal of building stronger relationships with community governments.

Quote(s)

“Supporting the development of strong community governments is a priority for MACA. Appointing a Municipal Administrator in Fort Resolution is a critical step in helping the community government to address significant operational difficulties.”

- Shane Thompson - Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs

Quick facts

• The Hamlets Act provides the Minister with the authority to place a community government under municipal administration when it is incapable of meeting financial obligations or is experiencing operational difficulties to a degree that the Hamlet is not meeting its responsibilities in full.
• Typical objectives when placing a community under administration include, but are not limited to:
  • stabilizing finances and/or implementing financial controls,
  • addressing operations and maintenance challenges,
  • addressing grievances and/or staffing issues,
  • updating or developing a strategic plan,
  • establishing or updating proper procedures for future councils.

Related links

• MACA website: http://www.maca.gov.nt.ca/
• https://www.justice.gov.nt.ca/en/files/legislation/hamlets/hamlets.a.pdf

For media requests, please contact:

Jay Boast

Senior Communications and Planning Advisor

Department of Municipal and Community Affairs

Government of the Northwest Territories

(867) 767-9162 ext. 21044