Final devolution legislation pieces signed
Commissioner gives assent to 10 bills setting the stage for devolution April 1
Cody Punter
Northern News Services
Published Friday, March 28 2014
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
It may have happened a little later than expected, but the GNWT is now one step closer to controlling its own destiny after the territorial commissioner gave assent to 10 new bills on Wednesday.
Environment and Natural Resources Minister Michael Miltenberger signs the document putting the NWT devolution bills into law as Commissioner George Tuccaro looks on. Devolution is set to take affect April 1. - Graeme McNaughton/NNSL photo |
About 50 people, including several MLAs, were in attendance at the legislative Great Hall on Wednesday as Commissioner George Tuccaro and Environment and Natural Resources Minister Michael Miltenberger signed the bills, which must become law in order for devolution to take place.
After the ceremony, Miltenberger said the signing of this legislation is just the start of a much larger process.
"It's like buying a house, and now we're moving in," he said. "It's up to us to make it all work"
The bills, all of which mirror existing federal legislation, were originally intended to receive assent during the most recent sitting of the legislative assembly. However, the GNWT had to wait for the Governor General to give royal assent of the federal NWT Devolution Act (Bill C-15) before they could sign the bills. Although it is not common for the Commissioner to give assent to bills when the assembly is not in session, the practice has happened before.
Bill C-15 finally received royal assent on Tuesday.
"Our government recognizes that Northerners are best placed to make important decisions on how to best maximize their lands and resources and on how to unlock the economic potential of their territory. I am pleased that the Northwest Territories Devolution Act has been granted royal assent, giving the Northerners province-like powers to make these decisions," stated Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Bernard Valcourt in a press release.
Now that the legislation has been officially passed, the stage is set for devolution to take place on April 1.
"There's six days left, and we will be open for business," said Miltenberger.
- with files from Graeme McNaughton
