Government of Canada appoints new Chief Federal Negotiator for Nunavut Devolution
OTTAWA, July 9, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, on Nunavut Day, the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Fred Caron to the role of Chief Federal Negotiator (CFN) for Nunavut Devolution, effective immediately. Nunavut Premier Peter Taptuna and Cathy Towtongie of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) also welcome Mr. Caron to his new role as Canada's CFN on these important negotiations.
Mr. Caron, an experienced negotiator on Indigenous issues, will represent the Government of Canada in continued discussions with the Government of Nunavut and NTI on an Agreement-in-Principle towards devolution of lands and resources in the territory.
The transfer of responsibilities over land and resources is an important step in the Government of Canada's renewed commitment towards improving the lives and well-being of Nunavummiut while ensuring that Nunavut remains an attractive place to live, work and invest.
Quotes
"The Government of Canada remains steadfast in our commitment to advance Nunavut Devolution and put decision making on lands and resources in the hands of Nunavummiut. I'm confident that Mr. Caron's knowledge and expertise on issues impacting Indigenous Canadians will allow for renewed, good-faith negotiations to begin in the context of a renewed Inuit-to-Crown relationship. I look forward to working with Mr. Caron and our partners in Nunavut on this important process."
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs
"Our territory's self-reliance and future success depends on sound economic and resource development. Nunavut's devolution is a critical step towards this realization. We are excited to return to negotiations and to step forward together to develop an agreement in principle on devolution with the Government of Canada and NTI."
Peter Taptuna
Premier of Nunavut
"I welcome the appointment of a federal devolution negotiator. Ownership and control of Nunavut's natural resources is fundamental to the future of Nunavut. NTI has advocated and supported this for years. It is time to move ahead from talk to action."
Cathy Towtongie
President of NTI
Quick Facts
- Formal negotiations on reaching an Agreement-in-Principle began in October 2014.
- The Lands and Resources Devolution Negotiation Protocol was formally signed in 2008, and guides negotiations toward a devolution agreement in Nunavut.
- Nunavut Day marks the passing of the historic Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Act and the Nunavut Act on July 9, 1993.
Related Products
- Biographical note – Fred Caron
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SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
For further information: Sabrina Williams, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, 819-997-0002; Media Relations, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-953-1160; Yasmina PepaChief, Public Affairs, Office of Premier Peter Taptuna, 867-975-5059, [email protected]; Kerry McCluskey, Director of Communications, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, 867-975-4914
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