Nunavut devolution enters final phase, premier’s office says

Preparations for Nunavut’s takeover of Crown land and resources from Ottawa are entering their final phase, the premier’s office said Tuesday, with the transfer still set for April 1, 2027.

The Government of Nunavut said in a news release, as reported by Nunatsiaq News, that it must mirror six federal laws before devolution can take effect: the Waters Act, the Public Lands Act, the Archaeological and Palaeontological Sites Act, the Surface Rights Tribunal Act, the Nunavut Planning and Project Assessment Act and the Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act.

MLAs passed four of those bills through second reading during the fall sitting of the legislative assembly: the Waters Act, the Surface Rights Tribunal Act, the Public Lands Act and the Archaeological and Palaeontological Sites Act. The final two bills will be tabled during the winter sitting, the release said.

The update follows a warning from Premier John Main in October that proposed federal changes to the Territorial Lands Act could complicate the timeline, because Nunavut cannot mirror federal provisions that have not yet been enacted. The release did not say whether that concern has been resolved.

The territory is also building a new Department of Mines, Natural Resources and Land, which has been given the Inuktitut name Nunalirijikkut. Many of the Nunavummiut who will work there are currently federal employees, and they have until Nov. 22 to respond to the territorial government’s job offer, the release said.

The territory is also offering training through the Namminiqsurniq Professional Project Administrator Program to increase Inuit employment. Federal and territorial officials are finalizing the transfer of properties, staff housing, vehicles and records.

Devolution will give the territorial government control over most Crown land in Nunavut, a responsibility that has been held by the federal government since the territory was created. Earlier coverage of the territory’s work includes the legislature’s return for the fall sitting and an MLA’s questions about northern infrastructure plans.

If you find reporting like this useful, consider supporting Canada News Media, an independent Canadian newsroom with no corporate parent.