Nunavut Devolution - Agreement In Principle Reached

August saw a significant event in Iqaluit, Nunavut with the signing of an Agreement in Principle (AIP) between Canada, the Government of Nunavut (GN) and Nunavut Tunngavik (NTI) addressing the "Devolution" of natural resource powers and responsibilities from Canada to the GN (sometimes referred to as "Devo").

The devolution of responsibilities and powers has long been a goal of the northern territorial governments and has been a long-standing policy objective of the Government of Canada, as it has been viewed as a fundamental step toward advancing the political development of the Canadian north and of Canada more generally. Over the last several decades the manner Canada's north (non-provincial territory) is governed has evolved.  This process included the creation of responsible government by the territorial residents and, in 1999, the creation of Nunavut. However, the Government of Canada still maintained (until the last 20 years) complete control over the