The Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement formalizes the transfer of jurisdiction over public lands and inland waters from the Government of Canada to the Government of Nunavut. It is a comprehensive legal and administrative framework negotiated between Canada, Nunavut, and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI), structured into 13 chapters and 14 appendices. The agreement affirms Nunavut’s legislative powers in line with provincial jurisdictions, while ensuring respect for Indigenous rights under the Constitution and the Nunavut Agreement. Nunavut assumes administrative control, although ownership remains with Canada. The territory is required to enact mirror legislation to replace repealed federal laws, and the Canadian Energy Regulator will continue to oversee onshore oil and gas for five years unless Nunavut opts out. The Agreement outlines mechanisms for reclaiming land by Canada for national or Indigenous purposes, with compensation for improvements. It also establishes protocols for managing petroleum resources, including joint coordination and revenue sharing, and addresses the unitization of straddling resources. A joint committee is tasked with harmonizing land and water management, while a detailed framework governs the identification, remediation, and categorization of impacted sites. Remediation responsibilities are divided based on the timing and origin of contamination, with standards drawn from federal, territorial, and environmental guidelines. Human resource development is a central focus, with a transitional strategy leading to a ten-year post-devolution plan aimed at maximizing Inuit employment.
Canada · 2024-01-18