Federal gov't appoints lead negotiator for talks about Nunavut's devolution

The federal government has appointed its chief negotiator for talks about devolution in Nunavut.

Fred Caron, who has had a lot of experience negotiating Indigenous issues, takes on the role today, the very fittingNunavut Day, which celebrates the birth and autonomy of the territory.

Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, appointed him to the position.

"The Government of Canada remains steadfast in our commitment to advanceNunavutDevolution and put decision making on lands and resources in the hands ofNunavummiut," Bennett saidin a media release.

"I'm confident that Mr.Caron'sknowledge and expertise on issues impacting Indigenous Canadians will allow for renewed, goodfaith negotiations to begin in the context of a renewed Inuit-to-Crown relationship."

Caron was the chief federalland-claimsnegotiator for theKanesatakeMohawksin Quebec as well as thenegotiator brought in totighten theenrolment guidelines on theQalipuFirst Nationin Newfoundland.

'Fundamental to the future'

Last year,Nunavutpremier, PeterTaptuna, said discussions about devolution in Nunavutwere going welland that a deal could be met come the end of the year. But those discussions were stalleddue to the federal election in October.

Now, the premier says he's ready to get back to the table.

"We are excited to return to negotiations and to step forward together,"Taptunasaidin a pressrelease.

"Our territory's self-reliance and future success depends on sound economicand resource development.Nunavut'sdevolution is a critical step towards this realization."

Cathy Towtongie, the president ofNunavutTunngavik Inc. (NTI), a lead negotiator for devolution,says the territory has needed to take thosecritical steps for a while now.

"Ownership and control of Nunavut's natural resources is fundamental to the future ofNunavut. NTI has advocated and supported this for years. It is time to move ahead from talk to action," she saidin a media release.

But Paul Okalik, MLA for Iqaluit-Sinaaand a former member ofcabinet, says thatalthough he'sencouraged by the resumption ofdevolution talks, he's worried about the current government's ability to deliver a beneficial agreement for Nunavut.

"I'm a little leery of our current government," he said.

"Nunavut has many challenges, I'm hopeful that we can come up with a good agreement at the end."