Devolution in Nunavut is scheduled to be implemented in a year, and while there is still much to accomplish before the deadline, Premier John Main expresses confidence that the territory is progressing as planned.
In 2024, Nunavut signed a devolution agreement with the Canadian government and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, outlining the transfer of control over Nunavut’s land and resources to the territorial government. This agreement included a three-year transition period, with the transfer date set for April 1, 2027. On that date, the Nunavut Act, a federal law, will be revised, and various legislative changes will come into force.
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 federal government has been progressively transferring responsibilities such as health, education, social services, housing, and airports to the territories since the 1960s. Devolving the land and resources in Nunavut, currently under the federal Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, marks the next phase.
Former Nunavut premier and land claims negotiator Paul Quassa highlighted the significance of decision-making being localized in Nunavut rather than Ottawa. However, numerous significant changes need to be addressed before the transfer date, including the transfer of federal jobs to the Nunavut government, establishing a new department for land and resources, and remediating contaminated sites on federal land before transferring them to the territorial government.
Regarding human resources, approximately 100 federal jobs will transition to the Nunavut government, aiming for the Inuit representation in the public service workforce to align with the population demographics. Initiatives like Inunnguqsaivik have been launched to boost Inuit employment in collaboration with the government of Canada and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
The Northwest Territories assumed control of its public lands and resources in 2014, following the Yukon in 2003. Senator Pat Duncan emphasized the challenges of restructuring resources and the need for patience in the legislative process. Unlike provinces, Nunavut may receive royalties from future projects, but immediate revenues are not expected due to existing mining projects on Inuit-owned land.
Devolution does not impact the 2016 moratorium on oil and gas drilling in Arctic waters. However, it presents an opportunity for Nunavut to engage in discussions with federal partners concerning offshore oil and gas development. The cleanup of contaminated federal lands remains a key task before devolution, with approximately 150 sites in Nunavut requiring remediation according to the devolution agreement.