March 25, 2014 - Ottawa, ON - Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
Members of the Northern Caucus from left to right: Mark Strahl, Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development; the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development; the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Environment and of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency; and Ryan Leef, Member of Parliament for Yukon, celebrate Royal Assent for the Northwest Territories Devolution Act.
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The Government of Canada today welcomed the granting of Royal Assent of Northwest Territories Devolution Act (Bill C-15) – the final step in the legislative process that will allow the implementation of the Northwest Territories Devolution Act and the devolution of province-like powers to the Government of the Northwest Territories, effective April 1, 2014.
Devolution has been a long-term priority for the people of the Northwest Territories and for the Government of Canada. Advancing Bill C-15 into law supports the Government of Canada’s commitment, as set out in Canada’s Northern Strategy, to recognize the Northwest Territories’ political evolution and give Northerners the tools and political freedom to build a strong and prosperous North and a strong and prosperous Canada.
Bill C-15 places more control over land and resources in the hands of Northerners, and will help ensure Northwest Territories residents benefit from the responsible development of the regions great resource potential. Devolution, along with a modernized regulatory regime, will pave the way for a bright future for the Northwest Territories, where Northerners make decisions about resource development in the territory, and governments are able to ensure that development is appropriate, sustainable, and aligned with the territories own priorities and values.
This landmark occasion comes as a result of the cooperation between the Government of Canada, the Government of the Northwest Territories, Aboriginal governments and groups, industry, stakeholders and northern citizens, who believe in the potential for devolution to help transform the Northwest Territories’ economy and create jobs and opportunities.
Erica Meekes
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160