It is true, the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs is the lead federal department in regard to just about every issue in the Northwest Territories, specifically, lands and waters. They have primary jurisdiction and in cases of the environment, they do take the lead. Usually federal Ministers defer to the Minister of DIAND to take the lead in dealing with issues. In the case of these cleanups, although National Defence is the agency that set up these facilities and sites, it is DIAND that must take the lead in dealing with environmental land and water concerns. This is the reason for the way it has been handled by the federal government.
Stephen Kakfwi on Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
In the Legislative Assembly on February 27th, 1998. See this statement in context.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
February 26th, 1998
Page 1192
See context to find out what was said next.