Ottawa names lead negotiator in Nunavut devolution talks

IQALUIT, Nunavut – Ottawa and Nunavut have taken another step toward province-like powers for the eastern Arctic territory.

The federal government has officially appointed its chief negotiator to work towards a deal that would give Nunavut greater control over its resources and royalties.

A similar deal took effect this spring in the Northwest Territories after two decades of talks; the Yukon has long had control over its land and resources.

Lawyer Brian Dominique’s commercial practice has emphasis on aboriginal law, mining and other natural resources.

He was the chief federal negotiator in the N.W.T. deal.

The Nunavut government, Ottawa and the Inuit land-claim group have been working on devolution since 2008.