Mr. Speaker,
I rise today to mark January 18, 2024, the day the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and the Federal Government signed the Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement. This date joins July 9, 1993, the signing of the Nunavut Agreement, and April 1, 1999, the date of Nunavut’s establishment.
This signing was made possible through the efforts of our leaders and Elders of the past, tireless negotiators through the years, and all Nunavummiut. With great pride for Nunavut and Nunavummiut, I stood alongside Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated President Aluki Kotierk.
This moment, Mr. Speaker, is the vision of our Elders made real.
In the year of our 25th anniversary, we brought decision-making about our lands and its many riches back home, where it belongs. This was the vision of our Elders.
The devolution agreement signifies the largest land transfer in Canada’s history - two million square kilometres of land will now be in the hands of Nunavummiut. Resource development encouraged and controlled in a balanced way, by us.
Now begins three years of transition and implementation.
The GN has been laying the groundwork to take over decision-making for land management for many years. We have built strong working relationships with our partners throughout the process.
Over the next three years, the parties will use these collaborative relationships and work in the spirit of partnership to complete the transfer of responsibilities.
On April 1, 2027, the official transfer takes place. I look forward to celebrating that day with all Nunavummiut.
I will be tabling the Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement at the appropriate moment.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.