Implementing the Devolution Agreement

Resource Revenue Sharing after Devolution

  • What percentage of resource revenues will the GNWT receive after devolution?
  • How much will the GNWT share with Aboriginal governments?
  • Why will the GNWT get to keep more revenues than Aboriginal governments?
  • Do some Aboriginal governments already receive resource revenues from public land under their existing land claim agreements?
  • After devolution, will Aboriginal governments be required to give up the revenues they already receive from public land?

What percentage of resource revenues will the GNWT receive after devolution?

The GNWT will keep 50% of the revenues collected from resource development on public land, up to a maximum amount.  The Government of Canada will deduct its share, the remaining amount, from the GNWT’s federal  transfer payments.

The maximum benefit is a percentage of the GNWT’s annual budgetary needs.  This means it will grow as the territory grows.  These arrangements are consistent with the arrangements of provinces that also receive federal transfer payments.

How much will the GNWT share with Aboriginal governments?
The GNWT has committed to share up to 25% of its portion resource revenues with Aboriginal governments that have signed the Devolution Agreement.

Why will the GNWT keep more revenues than Aboriginal governments?

The GNWT delivers public programs and provides infrastructure for all NWT residents. Resource revenues collected from public lands in the NWT are public resources that must be used to benefit everyone in the NWT.

Do some Aboriginal governments already receive resource revenues from public land under existing land claim agreements?

Yes. The Gwich’in, Sahtu and Tłı̨chǫ agreements provide a share of the resource revenues collected on public land in the Mackenzie Valley. The Dehcho government is also entitled to a share of resource revenues from public land through an Interim Resource Development Agreement. For more information visit our Resource Revenue Sharing Provisions in Existing Agreements page.

After devolution, will Aboriginal governments be required to give up the resource revenues they already receive from public land?

No. The resource revenues Aboriginal governments already receive from public land are part of settlements reached with the Government of Canada. The GNWT is offering Aboriginal governments additional resource revenues from public land throughout the territory. Aboriginal people will also benefit from the GNWT’s remaining share of resource revenues, which will used for the benefit of all NWT residents.