2-02463Yellowknife, NWT (March 18, 2004) - The Honourable Andy Mitchell, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, signed the Northwest Territories Lands and Resources Devolution Framework Agreement today, on behalf of the Government of Canada.The Devolution Framework Agreement sets out the process for reaching a final Devolution Agreement, including topics for negotiations and target dates."The negotiation of the Framework Agreement is an important step in the devolution process," said Minister Mitchell. "It establishes a formal commitment where all parties have clear instructions to negotiate the terms of the transfer."Once a final Devolution Agreement is reached, the NWT will have control over its lands and resources and will retain a fair share of those revenues. Devolution is a process that means transferring powers from the Government of Canada to the Northwest Territories. At the inaugural meeting of the NWT Intergovernmental Forum (IGF) in May 2000, Aboriginal, territorial, and federal government leaders all agreed that transferring the control of public lands and resources would promote self-sufficiency and the prosperity of the Northwest Territories."Devolution of control over public lands and resources to the NWT is part of the natural evolution of our territory," said Ms. Blondin-Andrew, Minister of State for Children and Youth, and MP for the Western Arctic.The Final Devolution Agreement will result in the transfer of federal responsibilities, most of which are housed in Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), as well as certain related functions in the National Energy Board (NEB) and other federal departments. The transfer will include the administration, control and management of land, water, mines, minerals, oil and gas, and archaeological resources in the NWT.Transfers of provincial-type responsibilities from the Government of Canada to the NWT have occurred before, including: delivery of health care, social services, education, administration of airports, and forestry management.Formal Devolution negotiations began in September 2002. The Parties aim to reach an Agreement in Principle (AIP) in 2004. Completion of an AIP will indicate general agreement of all Parties on substantive matters for a Final Devolution Agreement and will contain target dates for completion of the transfer. For more information, please contact:Line GagnonIndian and Northern Affairs Canada(867) 669-2605gagnonlz@inac.gc.ca
