Preparations for Nunavut devolution entering ‘final phase,’ premier’s office says

Preparations for devolution are entering “their final phase,” Nunavut Premier John Main’s office said Tuesday in a news release.

The release provides an update on the Government of Nunavut’s devolution process, which will see control over a vast majority of Crown land in the territory transferred to the GN.

To enable devolution, Nunavut must mirror six pieces of federal legislation: The Waters Act, Public Lands Act, Archaeological and Palaeontological Sites Act, Surface Rights Tribunal Act, Nunavut Planning and Project Assessment Act, and the Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act.

MLAs passed four of those acts through second reading during the fall sitting of the legislative assembly. They include the Waters Act, the Surface Rights Tribunal Act, Public Lands Act and Archaeological and Palaeontological Sites Act.

The final two bills will be tabled during the winter sitting, said the release.

Work is also ongoing to create a new Department of Mines, Natural Resources and Land. The department has a new organizational structure and Inuktitut name: Nunalirijikkut.

“Many Nunavummiut who will work in the new department are currently employed by the [federal government],” the release said, adding that the deadline for such employees to respond to the GN’s job offer is Nov. 22.

“Their knowledge and technical expertise are highly valued.”

The GN is also offering training through the Namminiqsurniq Professional Project Administrator Program to boost Inuit employment, according to the release.

The federal and territorial governments are finalizing the transfer of properties, staff housing, vehicles and records, the release said.

Devolution is set to take place April 1, 2027.