Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Making GNWT Policies Consistent with UNDRIP
The committee has received multiple recommendations that the GNWT must systematically review existing policies to ensure compliance with UNDRIP and that policies are consistent.
Harmonizing and aligning GNWT laws, policies, and practices with the declaration's minimum standards for recognizing and respecting Indigenous peoples' rights is crucial to the reconciliation process. Some urged to expedite the harmonization process, seeing the need to ensure policies are consistent and effective for the timely completion of land agreements. Others want to see opportunities for interim and incremental measures.
The benefits of updating and aligning policies with UNDRIP principles mentioned include:
- Facilitating the finalization of land claim agreements.
- Empowering the public service to act in accordance with UNDRIP.
- Facilitating the implementation of UNDRIP.
- Advancing reconciliation.
- Establishing, maintaining, and improving government-to-government relationships.
Committee agrees that advancing reconciliation requires ensuring all GNWT policies are consistent with UNDRIP principles and suggests a systematic review of the GNWT policies issued on the authority of the Executive Council and ministerial policies. The Executive Council is responsible for the overall management and direction of the GNWT and authorizes long-term policies and policies guiding the establishment of departments. Currently, 49 policies are under the authority of the Executive Council, and 43 are ministerial policies.
Committee suggests that the GNWT establish a process for the systematic review that includes Indigenous governments and Members of the Legislative Assembly in the review cycle.
Committee suggests starting with GNWT "Policy 11.51 - Aboriginal Land Claims" (effective May 16, 1998).
Committee suggests the GNWT consider the objectives of the NWT UNDRIP MOU on implementing UNDRIP in legislation in its systematic policy review.
Recommendation 4: The Special Committee on Reconciliation and Indigenous Affairs recommends that the GNWT systematically review GNWT policies against the principles of UNDRIP and in consideration of purposes and objectives established by the NWT Council of Leaders UNDRIP Memorandum of Understanding,
- Beginning with the review of policy 11.51 "Aboriginal Land Claims;"
- Continuing with the review of the policies listed under the authority of the Executive Council and ministerial policies;
- While at the same time, establishing an understood process to ensure a "check in" with Indigenous governments and Members of the Legislative Assembly before final versions are concluded.
I will now pass it over to the MLA for Inuvik Twin Lakes.