Devolution in Nunavut is scheduled to come into effect in a year, and although there is still much to accomplish before the deadline, Premier John Main expresses confidence that the territory is progressing as planned.
The devolution agreement, signed by the territory with the Canadian government and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated in 2024, details the transfer of control over Nunavut’s land and resources from the federal government to the territorial government. The agreement outlines a three-year transition period, culminating in the transfer date set for April 1, 2027. On this date, the Nunavut Act, a federal law, will undergo amendments or repeals, leading to the implementation of various legislative changes.
Premier Main stated, “It’s going to be a very busy, very active next year for us. But we’re very excited for the challenges ahead.” The transfer of responsibilities for land and resources in Nunavut, currently under the federal Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, represents the next phase in devolution, following previous transfers of sectors like health, education, and social services.
Former Nunavut Premier and land claims negotiator, Paul Quassa, highlighted the significance of the change, emphasizing that decisions made by institutions such as the Nunavut Impact Review Board will now be made locally in Nunavut rather than being sent to Ottawa for final approval.
Numerous significant changes need to be finalized before the transfer date, including the transfer of federal jobs to the Nunavut government, the establishment of a new department overseeing land and resources, and the remediation of contaminated sites on federal land before their handover to the territorial government.
The transfer of human resources poses a significant challenge for Nunavut, with approximately 100 federal jobs set to transition to the territorial government. The devolution agreement acknowledges Article 23 of the Nunavut Agreement, aiming for the Inuit representation in public service to align with the population, which is around 85 percent Inuit.
Efforts have been made to boost Inuit employment through programs like Inunnguqsaivik, with Main optimistic about achieving employment targets with these initiatives. The establishment of a new territorial department overseeing land and natural resources is also in progress, with Main emphasizing the importance of meticulous planning for the department’s integration with existing ones.
Drawing lessons from other territories like the N.W.T. and Yukon, which went through devolution earlier, concerns remain about potential challenges in legislative drafting and resource management. The imperfections of devolution processes underscore the need for patience and thorough planning to ensure a successful transition.
Regarding revenue sharing, Nunavut may collect royalties from future projects, but immediate benefits are unlikely due to existing mining projects being on Inuit-owned land. The issue of offshore oil and gas drilling remains contentious, with ongoing discussions expected post-devolution.
Lastly, the remediation of contaminated sites poses a challenge, with the federal government tasked with cleaning up old sites before transferring them to Nunavut. While progress is ongoing, it is unlikely that all sites will be fully remediated by the devolution deadline.