An Act to establish a territory to be known as Nunavut and provide for its government and to amend certain Acts in consequence thereofNunavut ActNunavut19936
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N-28.6281993Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows:Short Title
Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Nunavut Act.
Interpretation
DefinitionsIn this Act,Minister means the Minister of Northern Affairs; (ministre)public land means any land, and any interest in any land, in Nunavut that belongs to Her Majesty in right of Canada or of which the Government of Canada has power to dispose; (terres domaniales)Tunngavik means Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, a corporation without share capital incorporated under Part II of the Canada Corporations Act, R.S.C. 1970, c. C-32, and any successor to that corporation. (Tunngavik)1993, c. 28, s. 2; 1998, c. 15, s. 12019, c. 29, s. 374
Establishment and GovernmentEstablishment of Nunavut
Establishment of NunavutThere is hereby established a territory of Canada, to be known as Nunavut, consisting ofall that part of Canada north of the sixtieth parallel of north latitude and east of the boundary described in Schedule I that is not within Quebec or Newfoundland and Labrador; andthe islands in Hudson Bay, James Bay and Ungava Bay that are not within Manitoba, Ontario or Quebec.1993, c. 28, s. 3; 2015, c. 3, s. 172
Seat of Government
LocationThe seat of government of Nunavut shall initially be at such place in Nunavut as the Governor in Council may designate, but the Legislature for Nunavut may thereafter designate another place as the seat of government.
Executive PowerCommissioner of Nunavut
CommissionerThere shall be a chief executive officer for Nunavut, called the Commissioner of Nunavut, who shall be appointed by the Governor in Council.Publication of orderThe order in council appointing the Commissioner shall be published in the Canada Gazette.
Action of CommissionerThe Commissioner shall act in accordance with any written instructions given to the Commissioner by the Governor in Council or the Minister.InstructionsThe Commissioner shall, as soon as possible after receiving written instructions, make them available to the Executive Council of Nunavut and cause them to be laid before the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut, but they are effective when they are made.
Executive powersThe executive powers that, immediately before the coming into force of this section, were vested by any laws of Canada in the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories shall be exercised by the Commissioner of Nunavut so far as they are applicable to and capable of being exercised in relation to the government of Nunavut as it is constituted at the time of the exercise of those powers.
Deputy CommissionerThe Governor in Council may appoint a Deputy Commissioner of Nunavut, who, if the Commissioner is absent, ill or unable to act or the office of Commissioner is vacant, has and may exercise and perform all of the powers, duties and functions of the Commissioner.
Oaths of officeThe Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner shall, before assuming the duties of their respective offices, take and subscribe such oaths of office and allegiance as the Governor in Council may prescribe.
Absence or incapacityIf both the Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner are absent, ill or unable to act or both those offices are vacant, the Chief Justice of the Nunavut Court of Justice has and may exercise and perform all of the powers, duties and functions of the Commissioner.1993, c. 28, s. 10; 1999, c. 3, s. 1; 2017, c. 33, s. 256
Executive Council of Nunavut
Executive Council establishedThere is hereby established an Executive Council of Nunavut, the members of which are appointed by the Commissioner on the recommendation of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut.
Legislative PowerLegislature for Nunavut
Legislature establishedThere is hereby established a Legislature for Nunavut consisting of the Commissioner and the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut.
Legislative Assembly of Nunavut
Assembly establishedThere is hereby established a Legislative Assembly of Nunavut, each member of which is elected to represent an electoral district in Nunavut.
Number of members and electoral districtsThe Legislature may make laws prescribing the number of members of the Assembly and describing and naming the electoral districts in Nunavut.1993, c. 28, s. 14; 1998, c. 15, s. 2
WritsWrits for the election of members of the Assembly shall be issued on the instructions of the Commissioner.[Repealed, 1998, c. 15, s. 3]1993, c. 28, s. 15; 1998, c. 15, s. 3
Oaths of officeEach member of the Assembly shall, before assuming the duties of that office, take and subscribe before the Commissioner such oaths of office and allegiance as the Governor in Council may prescribe.
Duration of AssemblyNo Assembly shall continue for longer than five years from the date of the return of the writs for the general election, but the Commissioner may at any time, after consultation with the Executive Council, dissolve the Assembly.
Sittings of AssemblyThe Assembly shall sit at least once every twelve months.
SpeakerThe Assembly shall elect one of its members to be Speaker, who shall preside over the Assembly when it is sitting.
QuorumA majority of the Assembly, including the Speaker, constitutes a quorum.
Rules of procedureThe Assembly may make rules for its operations and procedures, except in relation to the classes of subjects referred to in paragraphs 23(1)(b) and (c).
Part of indemnity not taxableOne thousand dollars of the indemnity paid in any year to a member of the Assembly for sittings of the Assembly is not income for the purposes of the Income Tax Act.
Legislative Powers
Legislative powersSubject to any other Act of Parliament, the Legislature may make laws in relation to the following classes of subjects:the election of members of the Assembly, including the qualifications of electors and of candidates for election;the disqualification of persons from sitting or voting as members of the Assembly;the indemnity and expenses of members of the Assembly, including members of a committee of the Assembly;the establishment and tenure of territorial offices and the appointment, conditions of employment and payment of territorial officers;the administration of justice in Nunavut, including the constitution, maintenance and organization of territorial courts, both of civil and of criminal jurisdiction, and the procedure in civil matters in those courts;the establishment, maintenance and management of prisons, jails or lock-ups in and for Nunavut;municipal and local institutions in Nunavut;hospitals and charities in and for Nunavut;the management and sale of the lands the right to the beneficial use or to the proceeds of which is appropriated to the Commissioner by section 49, and of the timber and wood on those lands;direct taxation within Nunavut in order to raise revenue for territorial, municipal or local purposes;licensing in order to raise revenue for territorial, municipal or local purposes;property and civil rights in Nunavut;education in and for Nunavut, subject to the condition that any law respecting education must provide thata majority of the ratepayers of any part of Nunavut, by whatever name called, may establish such schools in that part as they think fit, and make the necessary assessment and collection of rates for those schools, andthe minority of the ratepayers in that part of Nunavut, whether Protestant or Roman Catholic, may establish separate schools in that part and, if they do so, they are liable only to assessments of such rates as they impose on themselves in respect of those separate schools;the preservation, use and promotion of the Inuktitut language, to the extent that the laws do not diminish the legal status of, or any rights in respect of, the English and French languages;the solemnization of marriage in Nunavut;intoxicants in Nunavut, including the definition of what constitutes an intoxicant;the incorporation of companies with territorial objects, excluding railway, steamship, air transport, telegraph and telephone companies;agriculture in Nunavut;the preservation of game in Nunavut;the entering into of intergovernmental agreements by the Commissioner or any other official of the Government of Nunavut;the expenditure of money for territorial purposes;generally, all matters of a merely local or private nature in Nunavut;the imposition of fines, penalties, imprisonment or other punishment in respect of the contravention of any law made by the Legislature; andsuch other matters as the Governor in Council may, by order, designate.Restriction on powersNothing in subsection (1) shall be construed as giving the Legislature greater powers with respect to any class of subjects described in that section than are given to the legislatures of the provinces by sections 92 and 95 of the Constitution Act, 1867 with respect to similar subjects described in those sections.Laws in respect of Indians and InuitSubject to any other Act of Parliament, nothing in subsection (2) shall be construed as preventing the Legislature from making laws of general application that apply to or in respect of Indians and Inuit.
RestrictionThe Legislature may not make laws under section 23 that restrict or prohibit Indians or Inuit from hunting, on unoccupied Crown lands, for food game other than game declared by order of the Governor in Council to be game in danger of becoming extinct.
Land claims agreementsFor greater certainty, the Legislature may make laws under any other provision of this Act for the purpose of implementing the land claims agreement entered into by Her Majesty in right of Canada and the Inuit on May 25, 1993 or any other land claims agreement with an aboriginal people as may be designated by order of the Governor in Council.
Importation of intoxicantsSubject to any other Act of Parliament, the Legislature may make laws respecting the importation of intoxicants into Nunavut from any other place in Canada or elsewhere and defining what constitutes an intoxicant for the purposes of those laws.Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act not applicableThe Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act does not apply to the importation, sending, taking or transportation of intoxicating liquor into Nunavut.
Borrowing and lendingThe Legislature may make lawsfor the borrowing of money by the Commissioner on behalf of Nunavut for territorial, municipal or local purposes;for the lending of money by the Commissioner to any person in Nunavut; andfor the investing by the Commissioner of surplus money standing to the credit of the Nunavut Consolidated Revenue Fund.RestrictionThe aggregate of all borrowings must not exceed the maximum amount set under subsection (4).Charge on Nunavut C.R.F.The repayment of money borrowed under a law made pursuant to paragraph (1)(a), and the payment of interest on the money, is a charge on and payable out of the Nunavut Consolidated Revenue Fund.Maximum amount — borrowingsThe Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister of Finance, set the maximum amount of the aggregate of all borrowings.RegulationsThe Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister of Finance, make regulations respecting borrowings for the purposes of subsections (2) and (4), including regulations respectingwhat constitutes, or is deemed to constitute, borrowing;the entities, or classes of entities, whose borrowings must be taken into account; andthe manner in which the value of a borrowing is determined.1993, c. 28, s. 27; 2012, c. 19, s. 215
Transmittal of lawsA copy of every law made by the Legislature shall be transmitted to the Governor in Council within thirty days after its enactment.DisallowanceThe Governor in Council may disallow any law made by the Legislature or any provision of any such law at any time within one year after its enactment.
Laws Applicable in Nunavut
Laws of NunavutSubject to this Act, on the day that section 3 comes into force, the ordinances of the Northwest Territories and the laws made under them that have been made, and not repealed, before that day are duplicated to the extent that they can apply in relation to Nunavut, with any modifications that the circumstances require. The duplicates are deemed to be laws of the Legislature and the laws made under them.Coming into forceSubject to this Act, a law of the Legislature or a law made under it that is a duplicate of an ordinance of the Northwest Territories or a law made under it that is made, but not in force, on the day that section 3 comes into force, comes into force in accordance with its provisions.Non-application — transmittal and disallowanceSubsection 28(1) does not apply to laws of the Legislature under subsection (1). For the purpose of subsection 28(2), the period for the disallowance of a law that is a duplicate of an ordinance of the Northwest Territories is deemed to begin on the day that the ordinance of the Northwest Territories was made.Other lawsThe laws in force or having effect in the Northwest Territories on the day that section 3 comes into force, other than the ordinances and the laws made under them referred to in subsection (1), continue to be in force or to have effect in Nunavut to the extent that they can apply in Nunavut and in so far as they are not after that time repealed, amended, altered or rendered inoperable in respect of Nunavut.1993, c. 28, s. 29; 1998, c. 15, s. 4
Rights or privilegesThe coming into force of section 3 does not affect a right, privilege, licence, permit, authorization, approval, certification, registration or filing, or any status provided, before the day that section 3 comes into force, by or under the ordinances of the Northwest Territories. On or after that day, to the extent that it was in force or had effect and applied immediately before that day in relation to Nunavut, it is deemed, in relation to Nunavut, to have been provided by or under the laws of the Legislature.1998, c. 15, s. 4
When no officer in NunavutIf, in or under any Act of Parliament or any law of the Legislature, an officer is designated to perform a function in relation to Nunavut and there is no person designated to perform that function, it may be performed by the person whose functions in relation to Nunavut are the most similar to that function or by any person that the Commissioner may designate to perform the function, and the performance of the function by that person is lawful and valid.Transmission of documentsIf, in or under any Act of Parliament or any law of the Legislature, a document or thing is to be transmitted to a designated officer, court, territorial division or place and there is no person, court, territorial division or place so designated in Nunavut, the Commissioner may designate a person, court, territorial division or place to which the document or thing is to be transmitted or may dispense with the transmission, and the transmission or dispensation of transmission is lawful and valid.1993, c. 28, s. 30; 1998, c. 15, s. 4
Judicial PowerJudicature
Superior courtsThe Nunavut Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal of Nunavut are established as superior courts that have and may exercise in relation to Nunavut all the powers and jurisdiction that the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories and the Court of Appeal of the Northwest Territories, respectively, had immediately before the day that section 3 comes into force.Administration of justiceSubsection (1) does not limit the powers conferred on the Legislature by paragraph 23(1)(e).Appointment of judgesThe Governor in Council shall appoint the judges of the superior courts of Nunavut as described in subsection (1) or as may be established by the laws of the Legislature.Tenure of office of judgesThe judges of the superior courts in Nunavut hold office during good behaviour, but may be removed by the Governor in Council on address of the Senate and House of Commons and cease to hold office on attaining the age of seventy-five years.1993, c. 28, s. 31; 1998, c. 15, s. 5; 1999, c. 3, s. 2
Nunavut Court of Justice
Ex officio judgesA judge, other than a deputy judge, of the Supreme Court of Yukon and of the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories is ex officio a judge of the Nunavut Court of Justice.1993, c. 28, s. 32; 1999, c. 3, s. 3; 2002, c. 7, s. 222
Deputy judgesThe Governor in Council may appoint any person who is or has been a judge of a superior court in Canada or a barrister or advocate of at least ten years standing at the bar of any province as a deputy judge of the Nunavut Court of Justice and may fix that person’s remuneration and allowances.Duration of appointmentA deputy judge may be appointed for any particular case or cases or for any specified period.Tenure of officeA deputy judge holds office during good behaviour, but may be removed by the Governor in Council on address of the Senate and House of Commons.PowersA deputy judge, while in office, has and may exercise and perform all the powers, duties and functions of a judge of that Court and any reference to a judge of the Nunavut Court of Justice is deemed to include a reference to the deputy judge.1993, c. 28, s. 33; 1999, c. 3, s. 4
Exercise of powersIf a law in force in Nunavut provides that a power, duty or function is to be exercised or performed by a provincial court judge, a stipendiary magistrate or a justice of the peace, the power, duty or function may be exercised or performed by a judge of the Nunavut Court of Justice.Status when exercising powerFor greater certainty, a power, duty or function exercised or performed under subsection (1) by a judge of the Nunavut Court of Justice is exercised or performed by that judge as a judge of a superior court.1993, c. 28, s. 34; 1999, c. 3, s. 5
Jurisdiction to try criminal casesA judge of the Nunavut Court of Justice has and may exercise and perform, anywhere in Canada, all the powers, duties and functions of the Court with respect to any criminal offence committed or charged to have been committed in Nunavut.Application of lawsAll laws applicable to criminal proceedings in Nunavut apply in like manner to proceedings held under this section at any place outside Nunavut.Enforcement of decisionsAny judgment, conviction, sentence or order pronounced or made in any proceedings held under this section outside Nunavut may be enforced or executed at the place at which it is pronounced or made or elsewhere, either in or outside Nunavut, as the judge of the Court may direct, and the proper officers of Nunavut have and may exercise all powers and authority necessary for the enforcement or execution thereof at the place where it is directed to be enforced or executed, notwithstanding that the place is not in Nunavut.1993, c. 28, s. 35; 1999, c. 3, s. 6
Court of Appeal of Nunavut
SittingsThe Court of Appeal of Nunavut may sit in Nunavut and, unless the laws of the Legislature made after the coming into force of section 3 provide otherwise, in any other place in Canada.1993, c. 28, s. 36; 1998, c. 15, s. 6
Repeal
RepealSections 32 to 36 and this section are repealed on a day or days to be fixed by order of the Governor in Council.
GeneralOfficial Languages
Official languages ordinanceThe law of the Legislature that, under subsection 29(1), is the duplicate of the ordinance of the Northwest Territories entitled the Official Languages Act may not be repealed, amended or otherwise rendered inoperable by the Legislature without the concurrence of Parliament by way of a resolution, if that repeal, amendment or measure that otherwise renders that law inoperable would have the effect of diminishing the rights and services provided for in that ordinance as enacted on June 28, 1984 and amended on June 26, 1986.1993, c. 28, s. 38; 1998, c. 15, s. 7
Nunavut Consolidated Revenue Fund
Nunavut C.R.F.All public moneys and revenue over which the Legislature has the power of appropriation shall form a fund to be known as the Nunavut Consolidated Revenue Fund.Establishment of accountsThe Commissioner may establish, in the name of the Government of Nunavut, accounts for the deposit of public moneys and revenue with any member of the Canadian Payments Association or any local cooperative credit society that is a member of a central cooperative credit society having membership in that Association.
Recommendation of CommissionerThe Assembly may not adopt or pass any vote, resolution, address or bill for the appropriation of any part of the public revenue of Nunavut, or of any tax, for any purpose that has not been first recommended to the Assembly by message of the Commissioner in the session in which the vote, resolution, address or bill is proposed.
Appropriation of moneys granted by ParliamentWhen a sum of money is granted to Her Majesty in right of Canada by Parliament to defray expenses for a specified public service in Nunavut, the power of appropriation by the Legislature over that sum is subject to the specified purpose for which it is granted.
Territorial Accounts
Fiscal yearThe fiscal year of Nunavut is the period beginning on April 1 in one year and ending on March 31 in the next year.
Auditor of NunavutThe Auditor General of Canada shall act as the auditor of Nunavut.
Submission of Territorial Accounts to AssemblyThe Commissioner shall, on or before December 31 of each fiscal year, lay before the Assembly a report, called the Territorial Accounts, for the preceding fiscal year of Nunavut, and the Assembly shall consider the report.
Form and contentsThe Territorial Accounts shall be prepared in such form as the Commissioner may direct and in accordance with accounting principles recommended by the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada or its successor and shall includeconsolidated financial statements for Nunavut ofthe financial position as at the end of the fiscal year,the accumulated surplus or deficit as at the end of the fiscal year,the revenues and expenditures for the fiscal year, andthe changes in the financial position for the fiscal year; andany other information or statements that are required in support of the consolidated financial statements or that are required by the Minister or by or under any law of the Legislature.1993, c. 28, s. 45; 1998, c. 15, s. 8; 2017, c. 26, s. 62
Audit and report by auditorThe auditor of Nunavut shall audit the accounts and financial transactions of Nunavut in each fiscal year in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and report to the Assembly on the result of that audit, including whether, in the opinion of the auditor,the consolidated financial statements for Nunavut presents fairly, in all material respects and in accordance with accounting principles recommended by the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada or its successor, the financial position of Nunavut as at the end of the fiscal year and the results of its operations in, and changes in its financial position for, the fiscal year; andthe transactions of Nunavut that have come to the notice of the auditor in the course of the audit of the consolidated financial statements have been within the powers of Nunavut under this Act and any other Act applicable to Nunavut.Other mattersThe auditor of Nunavut shall call attention to any other matter falling within the scope of the audit made under subsection (1) that, in the opinion of the auditor, should be brought to the attention of the Assembly.1993, c. 28, s. 46; 2017, c. 26, s. 62
Inquiry and reportAt the request of the Commissioner, made on the advice of the Executive Council and with the agreement of the Governor in Council, the auditor of Nunavut may, if in the auditor’s opinion it does not interfere with the auditor’s primary responsibilities, inquire into and report to the Assemblyon any matter relating to the financial affairs of Nunavut or to public property in Nunavut; oron any person or organization that has received or is seeking financial aid from the Government of Nunavut.
Powers of auditorThe auditor of Nunavut has, in connection with the audit of the accounts of Nunavut, all the powers that the Auditor General of Canada has under the Auditor General Act in connection with the examination of the accounts of Canada.Access to informationExcept as provided by any law made by the Legislature that expressly refers to this subsection, the auditor of Nunavut is entitled to free access at all convenient times to information that relates to the fulfilment of the auditor’s responsibilities and is entitled to require and receive from the public service of Nunavut such information, reports and explanations as the auditor considers necessary for that purpose.
Lands
Lands vested in Her MajestyThe following lands are and remain vested in Her Majesty in right of Canada:land acquired with funds of Nunavut;land in Nunavut acquired with funds of the Northwest Territories before the day on which section 3 comes into force;public land, the administration and control of which has been transferred by the Governor in Council to the Commissioner of Nunavut;public land, the administration and control of which has been transferred by the Governor in Council to the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories before the day on which section 3 comes into force;all roads, streets, lanes and trails on public land;land acquired pursuant to tax sale proceedings by the Commissioner of Nunavut; andland in Nunavut acquired pursuant to tax sale proceedings by the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories before the day on which section 3 comes into force.Beneficial use or proceedsThe right to the beneficial use or to the proceeds of the lands referred to in subsection (1) is appropriated to the Commissioner, and the lands may be held by and in the name of the Commissioner for the beneficial use of the Government of Nunavut.Management and disposalSubject to any law made by the Legislature, the Commissioner may manage, and sell, lease or otherwise dispose of, the lands referred to in subsection (1).RelinquishmentThe Commissioner may, with the approval of the Governor in Council, relinquish the administration and control of the entire or any lesser interest in any land referred to in subsection (1), either in perpetuity or for any lesser term.ApprovalOn the approval of the relinquishment, the appropriation under subsection (2), and the Commissioner’s rights and powers under subsections (2) and (3), in respect of the relinquished land or interest are terminated and the land or interest becomes subject to the control of the Governor in Council.TransferThe Governor in Council may transfer the administration of the land or interest to a Minister of the Government of Canada or to an agent corporation within the meaning of the Financial Administration Act.
Transfer to CommissionerThe Governor in Council may transfer, either in perpetuity or for any lesser term, the administration and control of the entire or any lesser interest in any public land to the Commissioner.
Leases for Nunavut facilitiesThe Minister may, by instrument satisfactory to the Minister of Justice, transfer to the Commissioner the administration and control of the entire interest in any real property held under a lease entered into by the Minister for facilities for the Government of Nunavut or housing for its employees. The Commissioner is deemed to have accepted the transfer on the day the instrument is signed by the Minister.Effect of transferThe administration and control is deemed to have been transferred by the Governor in Council.LimitationThis section applies to a lease only if the instrument effecting the transfer is signed on or before March 31, 2004.1998, c. 15, s. 9
Cultural Sites and Property
RegulationsThe Governor in Council may make regulations for the protection, care and preservation of sites, works, objects and specimens in Nunavut of palaeontological, archaeological, ethnological or historical importance, interest or significance and of explorers’ cairns and explorers’ documents in Nunavut.OffenceEvery person who contravenes any regulation made under subsection (1) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Power to seizeA peace officer who believes on reasonable grounds that any object, specimen or document has been removed, taken, shipped, had in possession or otherwise dealt in contravention of the regulations may, in Nunavut, without a warrant, seize the object, specimen or document.ForfeitureA peace officer who makes a seizure under subsection (1) shall report the seizure as soon as practicable to a justice of the peace, who may, on being satisfied that the object, specimen or document was removed, taken, shipped, had in possession or otherwise dealt with in contravention of the regulations, declare it to be forfeited to Her Majesty in right of Canada and, on that declaration, it is forfeited.
*[Note: Part III Repealed July 1, 1999.]Transitional ProvisionsExpenditures
ExpendituresUntil the first Legislative Assembly of Nunavut is convened, the Commissioner of Nunavut may authorize the payment of monies out of the Nunavut Consolidated Revenue Fund for the purposes of defraying expenses incurred in respect of Nunavut for which there is no other lawful authority to defray.
Interim Commissioner of Nunavut
Interim Commissioner of NunavutThe Governor in Council may establish the office of Interim Commissioner of Nunavut and may appoint a person to hold that office during pleasure until the appointment of the first Commissioner of Nunavut.DirectionsThe Interim Commissioner shall act in accordance with any written directions given to the Interim Commissioner by the Minister.PublicationDirections respecting the exercise of the powers conferred by section 72 or 75 shall be published in such manner as the Minister may determine.Absence, incapacity or vacancyIn the event of the absence or incapacity of the Interim Commissioner, or if the office of Interim Commissioner is vacant, the Minister may, after consultation with the Government of the Northwest Territories and Tunngavik, appoint a person to act as Interim Commissioner until the Interim Commissioner resumes the exercise of the powers, duties and functions of that office or a replacement Interim Commissioner is appointed under subsection (1).1993, c. 28, s. 71; 1998, c. 15, s. 11
Powers generallyThe Interim Commissioner mayenter into contracts for employment to begin on or after the day that section 3 comes into force, by the Government of Nunavut with the persons that the Interim Commissioner considers necessary for the operations of that Government;prescribe the duties of the persons referred to in paragraph (a) and the conditions of their employment consistent with the conditions of employment established by the Government of the Northwest Territories for its employees;assign to a person referred to in paragraph (a) any powers, duties or functions provided for in or under the laws of the Legislature that the person is to have and exercise;establish systems and processes for the Government of Nunavut, including the organization and administration of territorial courts; andcarry out such other functions as the Governor in Council may, by order, assign to the Interim Commissioner for the purposes of facilitating the assumption by the Government of Nunavut of any of its powers, duties or functions.Agreements bindingAgreements entered into pursuant to paragraph (1)(a) are binding on the Government of Nunavut.ConsultationAn assignment referred to in paragraph (1)(b.1) that involves powers, duties or functions under an ordinance of the Northwest Territories entitled the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act or flowing from an appointment made, on the recommendation of the Executive Council or the Council of the Northwest Territories, by the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories is subject to prior consultation by the Interim Commissioner with the Government of the Northwest Territories and Tunngavik.Assignment of powers, duties and functionsThe assignment referred to in paragraph (1)(b.1) is deemed to have been made in accordance with the laws that provide for those powers, duties and functions.Alteration, etc. of systemsThe Government of Nunavut may alter, revoke or replace any system or process established pursuant to paragraph (1)(c).1993, c. 28, s. 72; 1998, c. 15, s. 12
AgreementsThe Interim Commissioner may, with the approval of the Governor in Council, enter into agreementswith the Government of Canada in respect of federal government programs or other federal responsibilities in relation to Nunavut, including the supply of goods or services;with the Government of Canada, the Government of the Northwest Territories, the government of a province or any person in respect of programs or other responsibilities of the Government of Nunavut, including the supply of goods or services;with the Government of Canada or the Northwest Territories for funding in respect of Nunavut;with the Government of the Northwest Territories for the division of its assets and liabilities between Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, including rights and obligations arising under a contract entered into by the Government of the Northwest Territories; andwith the Government of the Northwest Territories for the transfer, despite any law or any contractual restriction, of information in its possession to the Government of Nunavut.Tabling of agreementThe Commissioner shall cause to be laid before the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut any agreement entered into under subsection (1).Agreements bindingSubject to subsections (3) and (4), agreements entered into pursuant to this section are binding on the Government of Nunavut.Exemption — no approvalThe approval of the Governor in Council is not required for the Interim Commissioner to enter into an agreement under paragraph (1)(a) or (a.1) if the maximum total amount that the Government of Nunavut must pay under the agreement, including any renewal of the agreement under its terms to which the other party is entitled, is less than the greater of$400,000, andany other amount that the Governor in Council may, by order, prescribe for those agreements or any category of them.Termination of agreementsThe Government of Nunavut may, by giving notice in writing, terminate any agreement entered into with a government under paragraph (1)(a) or (a.1) at the end of the fiscal year following that in which the notice is given.IdemAn agreement entered into pursuant to paragraph (1)(b) terminates two years after the coming into force of section 3, unless the agreement provides for an earlier termination.Consent of affected third partyAn agreement entered into under paragraph (1)(c) may affect the rights or obligations of a party that has entered into a contract with the Government of the Northwest Territories only if, before the agreement is entered into, the party consents to being so affected.Exception — assignmentDespite subsection (5), an agreement entered into under paragraph (1)(c) may assign to the Government of Nunavut any right or obligation of the Government of the Northwest Territories arising under a contract entered into by it with a party that is not a government even if the contract does not allow for, or the party does not consent to, the assignment. The assignment binds the party but, unless the contract allows for the assignment or the party consents to it, the agreement must provide for compensation to the party for costs or losses, if any, arising from the assignment.Transfer of InformationThe possession and use, by the Government of Nunavut, of information transferred under an agreement entered into under paragraph (1)(d) shall be subject tothe conditions contained in any contract entered into by the Government of the Northwest Territories that apply to the possession and use of the information, as if the Government of Nunavut were a party to the contract;the conditions contained in any federal law that apply to the possession and use, by the Government of the Northwest Territories, of the information; andall laws of the Legislature that apply to the possession and use of the information.1993, c. 28, s. 73; 1998, c. 15, s. 13
Powers of Governor in CouncilIn the absence of an agreement on a matter under paragraph 73(1)(c), the Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister, by order,in the case of any property, other than property referred to in section 44 of the Northwest Territories Act, transfer ownership of the property to the Government of Nunavut from the Government of the Northwest Territories; orin the case of a contract entered into between the Governments of Canada and the Northwest Territories giving rise to rights or obligations of the Government of the Northwest Territories, terminate the contract.Consultation and noticeThe Minister shall, before making the recommendation, consult with the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Interim Commissioner and shall, after that consultation, notify that Government and the Interim Commissioner of the contents of the recommendation.Effective dateAn order under subsection (1) may be made only on or before the day that section 3 comes into force, but it takes effect on that day.1998, c. 15, s. 14
Carrying out of programsThe Government of Canada or the Northwest Territories may carry out any programs in accordance with any agreement entered into under paragraph 73(1)(a.1).1993, c. 28, s. 74; 1998, c. 15, s. 14
StaffThe Interim Commissioner may employ such employees as the Interim Commissioner considers necessary for the proper conduct of the Interim Commissioner’s work and may prescribe their duties and the conditions of their employment consistent with the conditions of employment established by the Government of the Northwest Territories for its employees.Termination of employmentThe employment of persons by the Interim Commissioner terminates not later than the day on which the first Commissioner is appointed.Severance payAn employee to whom this section applies who becomes employed by a department or portion of government that is a part of the Public Service as defined in subsection 3(1) of the Public Service Superannuation Act within three months after the day that the employment with the Interim Commissioner terminates is not entitled to severance pay for the termination of that employment.Supply of goods and servicesFor greater certainty, the Interim Commissioner may enter into contracts for the supply of goods or services considered necessary for the proper conduct of the Interim Commissioner’s work.Supply contracts — coming into forceSubsection (4) is deemed to have come into force on November 26, 1996 and any contract entered into by the Interim Commissioner before this section comes into force is deemed to have been entered into under this Act, to the extent that the Interim Commissioner could enter into the contract under this section.1993, c. 28, s. 75; 1998, c. 15, s. 15
Council of the Northwest Territories
Sitting membersA member of the Council of the Northwest Territories whose electoral district does not include any of the communities listed in Schedule II ceases, on the coming into force of section 3, to be a member of the Council.Change of nameIf the name of a community listed in Schedule II is changed, the reference in that Schedule to the name of the community shall be construed as a reference to the new name of the community.
First Elections
Number of members and electoral districtsDespite section 14 and any law of the Legislature, for the first elections of members of the Legislative Assembly, the Governor in Council shall, by order, prescribe the number of members of the Assembly and describe and name the electoral districts in Nunavut, but in no event shall the number of members of the first Assembly be fewer than ten.Writs — when issuedWrits for the first elections of members of the Assembly shall, subject to the laws governing those elections, be issued no later than thirty days after the day that section 3 comes into force.1998, c. 15, s. 16
Laws for electionDespite the laws of the Legislature, the laws governing the first elections of members of the Assembly are the laws that apply to the conduct of elections in the Northwest Territories on the day that this section comes into force, with any modifications that the Governor in Council may, by order, prescribe.Publication of orderA notice of a proposed order shall be published in the Canada Gazette at least thirty days before the order is made and an opportunity shall be given to interested persons to make representations to the Minister about the proposed order. The notice may be published before this section comes into force.ExceptionOnce a notice is published under subsection (2), no further notice is required to be published about any amendment to the proposed order that results from representations made by interested persons.Chief electoral officerThe chief electoral officer for the first elections of members of the Assembly is the Chief Electoral Officer of the Northwest Territories.1998, c. 15, s. 16
Writs — instructions and returnDespite section 15, the Governor in Council may, before the day that section 3 comes into force, give the chief electoral officer instructions to issue the writs for the first elections of members of the Assembly.Return of writsThe day for the return of those writs must be set in accordance with the laws governing the elections and may be before or after the coming into force of section 3.Status of elected candidatesFor greater certainty, a candidate who is elected, before the day that section 3 comes into force, is not, for any purpose, a member of the Assembly until the Assembly is established under section 13.1998, c. 15, s. 16
Qualifications of members of Council of NWTDespite any other law, a member of the Council of the Northwest Territories may be a candidate, and be declared elected, in the first elections of members of the Assembly without affecting, before the day that section 3 comes into force, her or his qualifications to sit or vote as a member of the Council.1998, c. 15, s. 16
[Repealed, 2014, c. 2, s. 43]
Public Offices and Bodies
General rule — duplicationSubject to this Part, on the day that section 3 comes into force, for every public office or public body established or continued by an ordinance of the Northwest Territories that has, immediately before that day, powers, duties or functions in relation to both a part of the Northwest Territories described in section 3 and a part of the rest of those Territories and for every office or body on a list made under subsection (3), there is established, with any modifications that the circumstances require, by the laws of the Legislature a duplicate and distinct office or body, with the same powers, duties or functions in relation to Nunavut.Courts excludedSubsection (1) does not apply to courts of the Northwest Territories.Nunavut Court of JusticeFor greater certainty, the Nunavut Court of Justice has and may exercise in relation to Nunavut the powers, duties and functions of any territorial court referred to in a law duplicated under subsection 29(1).ListBefore the day that section 3 comes into force, the Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister of the Government of the Northwest Territories responsible for intergovernmental affairs and the Interim Commissioner, by order, make the list referred to in subsection (1).Assets and liabilitiesTo the extent that the assets and liabilities of an office or body referred to in subsection (1), or any funds that it administers, are not subject to paragraph 73(1)(c), they continue, on and after the day that section 3 comes into force, to be the assets and liabilities of the office or body of the Northwest Territories, or funds administered by it, until they are fairly divided between that office or body and the corresponding office or body of Nunavut.Mechanisms for divisionThe division may occur byan agreement between those offices or bodies; orin the absence of an agreement, an order of the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories on an application by either office or body made on or after the day that is one year after the day that section 3 comes into force.Principles for divisionA division made under paragraph (5)(b) must, to the extent possible, put each office or body into the position that it would have been in had a fair division of the assets and liabilities, and administered funds, occurred on the day that section 3 comes into force.1998, c. 15, s. 16; 1999, c. 3, s. 7
Continued offices and bodiesSubject to this Act, on the day that section 3 comes into force, a public office or public body established or continued by an ordinance of the Northwest Territories that has, immediately before that day, powers, duties or functions in relation only to the part of the Northwest Territories described in that section and an office or a body on a list made under subsection (2) is continued for Nunavut only, with the same powers, duties or functions, but is deemed to have been established by the laws of the Legislature.ListBefore the day that section 3 comes into force, the Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister of the Government of the Northwest Territories responsible for intergovernmental affairs and the Interim Commissioner, by order, make the list referred to in subsection (1).Officers and employeesPersons who are, immediately before the day that section 3 comes into force, office holders or officers or employees of the offices and bodies referred to in subsection (1) continue, on and after that day, to occupy their respective positions, with the same tenure, but they are deemed to hold, and to have assumed, them under the laws of the Legislature.1998, c. 15, s. 16
Collective agreementsThe terms of a collective agreement entered into by the Minister responsible for the ordinance of the Northwest Territories entitled the Public Service Act, and any arbitration decision in relation to the collective agreement, that is in force on the day immediately before the coming into force of section 3 remains in force after that day in relation to Nunavut and the corresponding employees of the Government of Nunavut with the substitution of the Government of Nunavut for the Government of the Northwest Territories as the employer and any other modifications that the circumstances require.ExpiryIn relation to Nunavut, a collective agreement referred to in subsection (1) expires in accordance with its terms and any laws that apply to it unless the parties to the collective agreement agree, before the expiry date, that the collective agreement expires on a later date that may not be later than March 31, 2000.1998, c. 15, s. 16
Pending Matters
New public bodiesSubject to subsection (3), jurisdiction over a matter that was pending before an office or body of the Northwest Territories referred to in subsection 76.06(1) immediately before the day that section 3 comes into force is transferred, on that day, to the extent that it relates to Nunavut, to the corresponding duplicate office or body established for Nunavut. The office or body of the Northwest Territories retains jurisdiction to deal with the matter to the extent that it relates to the Northwest Territories.Validity of proceedingsFor greater certainty, the transfer under subsection (1) of a pending matter does not affect the validity of any steps taken or documents filed before the transfer and those steps or documents, to the extent that they relate to Nunavut, are deemed to have been taken or filed, respectively, under the laws of the Legislature.Exception — agreementThe Interim Commissioner may enter into an agreement with the Government of the Northwest Territories to allow an office or body of the Northwest Territories to retain, despite the coming into force of section 3, jurisdiction over a matter referred to in subsection (1) in relation to Nunavut. Any rights, privileges, licences, permits, authorizations, approvals, certificates, registrations or filings, or any status or decision, in relation to Nunavut in the matter, whenever provided, are deemed to have been provided for by or under the laws of the Legislature.Exception — judicial mattersThis section does not apply to matters to which section 76.1 applies.1998, c. 15, s. 16
Nunavut courtsA court, judge or justice of Nunavut has jurisdiction over any matter commenced, on or after the day that section 3 comes into force, even if the events giving rise to the matter occurred before that day, to the extent that it would have been within the jurisdiction of that court, judge or justice had those events occurred after that day.Northwest Territories courtsA court, judge or justice of the Northwest Territories retains jurisdiction, until all appeals or reviews are exhausted, over any matter commenced before the day that section 3 comes into force, if it would have been within the jurisdiction of a court, judge or justice of Nunavut had it commenced after that day.New trialsFor greater certainty, an appeal or review mentioned in subsection (2) includes a new trial ordered and any appeal or review in relation to the new trial.1998, c. 15, s. 16; 1999, c. 3, s. 8
TransferA court, judge or justice of the Northwest Territories may, by order, transfer any matter referred to in subsection 76.1(2) to the Nunavut Court of Justice if the court, judge or justice of the Northwest Territories is satisfied that the transfer is in the interests of the administration of justice.Transfer — record and materialsIf a court, judge or justice makes an order under subsection (1), the order shall provide for the transfer of the record and any material relating to the matter to the Nunavut Court of Justice or to an appropriate officer of Nunavut.Deemed record, orders or decisions of Nunavut courtsA record that is transferred by an order made under subsection (2) is deemed to be part of the record of the Nunavut Court of Justice. Any order or decision made or document issued by a court, judge or justice of the Northwest Territories in relation to the matter that is transferred is deemed to have been made or issued by the Nunavut Court of Justice.1998, c. 15, s. 16; 1999, c. 3, s. 9
Sittings for pending casesFor any matter referred to in section 76.1 or 76.11,the territorial courts, including superior courts, of the Northwest Territories may exercise and perform all their powers, duties and functions in any place in both the Northwest Territories and Nunavut; andthe Nunavut Court of Justice may exercise and perform all of its powers, duties and functions in any place in Nunavut and, unless the laws of the Legislature made after the coming into force of section 3 provide otherwise, in the Northwest Territories.Applicable lawsThe laws that apply to a matter before a court when it sits in the other territory under subsection (1) are the laws that would apply if it heard the matter in the territory where it normally sits.Enforcement of decisionsAny judgment, conviction, sentence or order pronounced or made in any matter commenced in the Northwest Territories before the day section 3 comes into force may be enforced or executed at any place in Nunavut or the Northwest Territories as the court with jurisdiction over the matter may direct, and the proper officers of the territory in which the judgment, conviction, sentence or order is to be enforced or executed may exercise all powers and authority necessary for that purpose.1998, c. 15, s. 16; 1999, c. 3, s. 10
Justices of the peaceThe justices of the peace of the Northwest Territories who reside, immediately before the day that section 3 comes into force, in the territory referred to in section 3 are deemed to have been appointed justices of the peace under the laws of the Legislature and to have and exercise the powers, duties or functions of justices of the peace under the laws that apply in Nunavut.Pending mattersIn any matter referred to in subsection 76.1(2), the justices of the peace of the Northwest Territories referred to in subsection (1), despite their residency in Nunavut on and after the day that section 3 comes into force, continue to hold the office of justice of the peace of the Northwest Territories and to have and exercise, in Nunavut, the powers, duties or functions of justices of the peace of the Northwest Territories.1998, c. 15, s. 16
Consequential Amendments and Coming into ForceNorthwest Territories Act
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Other Consequential Amendments
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Coming into Force
Coming into forceSubject to subsection (2), this Act or any provision of this Act or of any Act as amended by this Act shall come into force on April 1, 1999 or on such earlier day or days as the Governor in Council may fix by order.IdemPart III shall come into force on the day that is six months after the day on which this Act is assented to or on such earlier day as the Governor in Council may fix by order.[Note: Part III in force December 10, 1993; sections 1 and 4 in force June 20, 1996, see SI/96-51; sections 71 to 75 in force November 26, 1996, see SI/96-102; sections 1, 121 and 126 of Schedule III in force November 27, 1997, see SI/97-136; subsection 14(2) in force June 1, 1998, see SI/98-69; subsection 128(2) of Schedule III deemed to have come into force November 26, 1996, see 1998, c. 15, s. 37(2); the definition Tunngavik in section 2 and sections 50.1, 76.01 to 76.07 and 76.09 in force June 11, 1998, see 1998, c. 15, s. 52(1); sections 9, 16 and 51 in force November 27, 1998, see SI/98-112.]
(Section 3)Western Boundary of NunavutCommencing at the intersection of 60°00′N latitude with 102°00′W longitude, being the intersection of the Manitoba, Northwest Territories and Saskatchewan borders;thence due north to the intersection of 102°00′W longitude and 64°14′N latitude near the south shore of the Thelon River;thence west northwesterly in a straight line to the intersection of 64°50′N latitude and 109°20′W longitude, north of Gloworm Lake;thence northwesterly in a straight line to the intersection of 65°30′N latitude and 110°40′W longitude, west of Contwoyto Lake;thence due west to the intersection of 65°30′N latitude and 112°30′W longitude, east of Itchen Lake;thence northwesterly in a straight line to a point on the southeastern boundary of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, being the intersection of 68°00′N latitude and 120°40′51″W longitude;thence due north to the intersection of 120°40′51″W longitude and the shoreline of Amundsen Gulf;thence easterly in a straight line to the intersection of the northerly bank of Kugalak River and the shoreline of Penny Bay in Amundsen Gulf;thence generally easterly following the northerly bank of Kugalak River to the intersection of that bank and 116°38′10″W longitude at approximate 69°38′N latitude;thence northwesterly in a straight line to the intersection of 69°53′20″N latitude and 117°08′40″W longitude;thence northerly in a straight line to the intersection of 70°00′N latitude and 117°07′W longitude;thence due east to the intersection of 70°00′N latitude and 112°53′W longitude;thence due south to the intersection of 112°53′W longitude and 69°50′N latitude;thence due east to the intersection of 69°50′N latitude and 112°39′W longitude;thence due north to the intersection of 112°39′W longitude and the shoreline of Quunnguq Lake at approximate 69°51′N latitude;thence easterly, northerly and westerly following the sinuosities of the shoreline of Quunnguq Lake to the intersection of that shoreline and 112°30′W longitude at approximate 69°54′50″N latitude;thence due north to the intersection of 112°30′W longitude and 70°00′N latitude;thence due east to the intersection of 70°00′N latitude and 110°00′W longitude; and finallythence due north along 110°00′W longitude to its intersection with the northern limits of Canada, being the termination of this boundary.(Section 76)CommunitiesInuvik RegionAklavikArctic Red RiverColville LakeDélineFort Good HopeFort McPhersonFort NormanInuvikNorman WellsPaulatukSachs HarbourTuktoyaktukFort Smith RegionDetahEnterpriseFort LiardFort ProvidenceFort ResolutionFort SimpsonFort SmithHay RiverHay River ReserveJean Marie RiverKakisaLac La MartreLutselk’s (Snowdrift)Nahanni ButteRae-EdzoRae LakesRelianceSnare LakeTrout LakeWrigleyYellowknifeKitikmeot RegionHolman(Section 78)
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