YELLOWKNIFE (January 27, 2014) – Devolution is an opportunity not to be missed, Premier Bob McLeod told the parliamentary committee reviewing federal Bill C-15, the Northwest Territories Devolution Act.

“With five partner Aboriginal governments, we have negotiated a deal that is in the best interests of all of our residents,” Premier McLeod told the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. “MLAs representing NWT communities will gain the authority to make laws and decisions they cannot make today. Northerners will have new authorities to responsibly manage our environment. Today, we manage surface rights for 1% of our territory’s land mass. On April 1, we will manage surface and sub-surface rights for approximately 80%.”

Without devolution, the federal government will continue its decision-making power over NWT public lands, resources and water. Gaining the responsibility for these decisions has been a long-term goal for residents across the North, who know their territory best and have taken on increasing responsibilities from the federal government over the past 30 years.

Bill C-15 transfers federal responsibilities to the GNWT under the terms of the devolution agreement, which was negotiated with Aboriginal governments and signed in June 2013. The agreement provides for an Intergovernmental Council: a new collaborative land management approach that promotes cooperation between Aboriginal governments and the GNWT in sustainable development and environmental protection.

Bill C-15 also makes changes to the NWT’s regulatory system, with proposed changes to be phased in over time as part of a nationwide regulatory improvement initiative that is not part of devolution.

“I have always said that we need an efficient and effective regulatory system in the NWT that protects the public interest, allows us to manage our land and environment, and promotes responsible development,” said Premier McLeod. “Regulatory improvement is a federal priority and this is our opportunity to work with them on a better, more effective system for the NWT. Devolution gives us a new role and new authorities within that system, and I am confident that northerners will be in an improved position to help develop a regulatory system that will work for all of us and retains regional capacity.”

The complete text of Premier McLeod’s prepared remarks to the Committee is available here. The Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development maintains an online archive of meeting minutes and presentations, including webcasts.

For more information, contact:

Brenda Norris
Media Liaison
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: 867-669-2302
Email: brenda_norris@gov.nt.ca