Accessibility Links
Consensus government in the N.W.T.
The political process of Canada's Northwest Territories is as unique as its landscape. There are no political parties. Instead, candidates are elected by the community based largely on family ties and personality. The N.W.T. has seen dramatic changes from its days of "benign neglect" before 1950 to the evolution of its current consensus-style of government. Deeply rooted in native tradition, the Northwest Territories' distinct form of government has been described as the most interesting parliamentary system in the world.
In 1985, 24 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) representing 24 constituencies are voted in. From those elected, eight members are chosen to become the executive council, also referred to as the cabinet. One of them is selected to become the government leader, later called the premier.
• Before thecreation of Nunavut in April 1999, the Northwest Territories represented one-third of Canada's land mass. The territory of Nunavut is 2 million square kilometres with a population of around 29,000 (2003). Nunavut also has a system of consensus government.
• Ottawa first began loosely administering this sparsely populated land in 1875, with the enactment of the Northwest Territories Act. Before then the region, which was acquired from the Hudson's Bay Company in 1870, was governed by an appointed lieutenant-governor and council.
• The 1875 Act called for the gradual addition of elected members to the council as warranted by the growth of the N.W.T. population.
• While George Braden was elected as a MLA in October 1979, he didn't officially become the government leader until June 16, 1980. He held the post until Jan. 12, 1984. (Incorrect information was given in the clip.)
Program: Morningside
Broadcast Date: Oct. 22, 1985
Guest(s): George Braden
Host: Peter Gzowski
Duration: 10:09
Last updated: May 7, 2012
Page consulted on March 27, 2013
All Clips from this Topic
-
Young native leaders emerge on the northern landscape.
-
The young native leader talks about the political future of the N.W.T.
-
Challenges of developing and inspiring the youth of the N.W.T.
-
Northerners participate in the 1983 election in unprecedented numbers.
-
An interview with Richard Nerysoo.
-
Deciphering the unique political landscape of Canada's North.
-
Brotherly love replaces political infighting in the N.W.T.
-
It's all about personal politics in Canada's North.
-
An interview with Nellie Cournoyea.
-
Debating the pros and cons of consensus government.
-
Michael Ballantyne takes CBC's Peter Gzowski on a personal tour.
-
The 1995 election takes place on the verge of historic changes in Cana...
-
Elections Canada combats voter empathy.
-
The newly drawn N.W.T. holds its first election after the creation of ...
-
With no challengers in sight, former Finance Minister Joe Handley take...
-
The jockeying for cabinet seats and the premier's chair is underway tw...
-
The political process of Canada's Northwest Territories is as unique a...