The Department of Human Resources was established on April 1, 2005 as an amalgamation of separate human resource units in each department, authority and public agency of the Government of the Northwest Territories excepting the NWT Power Corporation and the Workers' Compensation Board. Cabinet approved the centralization in August 2004 as a result of a 2003 review conducted by consultants Deloitte and Touche. The Department was first formed with three divisions: Corporate Human Resources, Client Services, and Employee Relations. By 2010, divisions were altered slightly to include Management and Recruitment Services, Strategy and Policy, the Directorate and Regional Operations. Client Services was renamed Employee Services.
The Directorate provided leadership and direction to the Department, as well as providing strategic and corporate human resource advice to the Minister, Deputy Ministers and Deputy Heads throughout the Government.
The Strategy and Policy Division was responsible for the development and review of government-wide human resource management strategies, legislation, policies, guidelines and practices as well as quality assurance services to make sure these are fairly and consistently applied. Research, analysis and reporting was also undertaken and coordinated through this Division.
The Management and Recruitment Services Division provided front-line general human resources services such as the administration of job competitions, recruitment, and strategic advice for government-wide planning.
The Corporate Human Resources Division managed government-wide human resource management programs as well as providing labour relation and recruitment advice and employee training and development programs. This division was also responsible for leading the implementation of 20/20: A Brilliant North, the NWT Public Service Strategic Plan. Employee Services Division was reponsible for providing compensation, benefits and data management for employees.
The Department of Human Resources merged with the Department of Finance on April 1, 2017.
The Department of Industry and Development operated from 1967 until 1973; it was responsible for promoting the economic growth of the Northwest Territories. This included encouraging and providing for the development of the tourism industry at the local level through grant programs aimed at communities that would help them realize the economic benefit of tourism. It also provided training in management and hospitality, developed public tourism facilities, and promoted the north through advertising locally, at travel shows and through promotional materials such as maps and guides. This division was also involved in the promotion of commercial and industrial development by encouraging the establishment of primary and secondary industries that would provide economic benefit to northern residents. For example, they were involved in the expansion of the arts and crafts industry, the development of the fishing and lumber industry, as well as the development and supervision of cooperatives. The function of Game Management, which was also handled through this department, provided for the rational management of all game resources in the Northwest Territories. This was achieved by planning and implementing educational, research, big game and trap line management programs that were aimed at maximizing the utilization of the game resources of the North. This division also assisted indigenous people that still depended on natural renewable resources for their livelihood, by developing and enforcing game laws and regulations.
In 1969, the Department of Industry and Development headquarters organization was completed. Progress was made in coordinating and integrating the various programs in the fields of Tourism, Game Management and Industrial Development. As part of the new headquarters organizational structure, a small Administrative Section was established, to centralize administrative support for the department and to relieve program managers from routine administrative and accounting responsibilities. A second small headquarters element, the Research and Planning Section was also established in 1969 to carry out long-range planning for the Department and to assist in integrating departmental planning with that of the other departments of the Government of the Northwest Territories. This section was responsible for an analysis of the forest products industry, commercial fishing industry and the labour and material elements of the Northern Housing Program.
The Tourism Division was initially a program that was delivered by the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs and Northern Development. In 1968, this program was transferred from the Federal Government to the Department of Industry and Development of the Government of the Northwest Territories. The transfer of this program marked the establishment of organized tourism promotion in the Northwest Territories. This division consisted of three operating sections: Promotion, Development and Research. The polar bear symbol was introduced at this time as well as a series of promotional literature about the Northwest Territories. The division developed a policy designed to encourage greater activity and support of the tourism industry at the community level. This policy and supporting program enabled communities to play a more effective role in developing local services and in improving the reception and information services for visitors. The Tourism Division provided grant programs to remote indigenous communities to help them realize the economic benefit of the tourism industry. The program provided financial assistance for the construction of accommodation or renovations to existing buildings. The division also provided management training to members of the community and to lodges. Hospitality seminars, designed by Travel Industry Association of Canada, were delivered and the Visitor's Service Centre at the Alberta-Northwest Territories Border was opened. The public tourism facilities development program was initiated; it encouraged the development of day use and picnic areas along the Dempster Highway and the proposed Mackenzie Highway. The Tourism Division participated in travel shows in the United States and southern Canada and in conjunction with the Canadian Government, packaged tours of the Northwest Territories were offered. This division also published the Explorer's Guide and Official Travel Map. This division was successful in offering the first commercially packaged tours of the Northwest Territories and in 1971, assisted in launching the boat "Norweta," which brought group tours to the river settlements for the first time.
The Department of Industry and Development was responsible for identifying and developing employment-generating opportunities. It was involved in identifying areas of demand where opportunity existed for service support and secondary industries capable of providing meaningful wage employment to the residents of the Northwest Territories. An effort was made to provide management advice to small businesses, assist indigenous people in becoming involved in the wage economy, and permit them access to managerial positions. The division delivered employment oriented training courses such as the Junior Office Managers Course which was designed to produce junior managers for governmental and private enterprise. The department was instrumental in the formation of the Northwest Territories Chamber of Commerce in 1972.
The Industry Development Division also focused on preparing for the accelerated economic development in the Mackenzie Valley due to possible construction of the gas pipeline and construction of the Mackenzie Highway. The Research and Planning section of this division maintained close ties with Federal Government agencies and provided input into the planning for the pipeline and highway to ensure that the interests of northern residents would be protected.
The Industry Development Division was also involved in the identification and promotion of viable enterprises capable of being operated by, and providing employment for, northern residents. In one instance, a Lumber Grade Stamping Agency was established to up-grade the quality of lumber produced in the Northwest Territories. The division also helped to overhaul the boat shop in Hay River and relocated the Jean Marie River Sawmill. A particular emphasis was placed on the development of the commercial fishing industry. The division organized the Fisherman's Loan Approval Board that provided financial assistance and loans to fisherman who wished to purchase boats. The Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation was established and this corporation assumed purchasing and marketing responsibilities of freshwater fish. The fish packing facilities at Lac La Martre were completed and the Wellington Bay Arctic Char Fishery was overhauled and put in good working condition. Major commercial fisheries operated on Great Slave Lake, Lac La Martre and Cambridge Bay. The establishment of a liaison with Central Region Fisheries Service and Environment Canada it was ensured that major commercial fishing operations in the Northwest Territories would be monitored to ensure a long-term fishery development program would be followed.
The Commercial Development program was delivered through the Industry Development Division. This program administered loans for business ventures, such as the Eskimo Loan Fund, Indian Economic Development Fund and Small Business Loan Fund. The department assumed responsibility for the cooperatives, therefore the development emphasis was placed on consolidating and strengthening the cooperatives. In 1971, the Canadian Arctic Co-operative Federation Limited was established as the coordinating body for all cooperatives in the Northwest Territories. In preparation for the establishment of the Federation, a cooperative education program was conducted and training program implemented for groups who wished to develop into co-operatives. An educational program on credit unions was also instituted. It was hoped that these initiatives would result in economic gains for aboriginal peoples.
Furthermore, the Industrial Development Division conducted research studies in order to determine potential markets for northern arts and crafts. A review was made of existing arts and crafts projects to determine methods of increasing production and provide additional income for the producers. This division also facilitated the promotion of northern arts and crafts. For example, the Masterworks Exhibition that was organized by the Canadian Eskimo Art Council was supported financially by this department and went on a world tour with showings in major art centers in the United States and Europe. Interest in northern arts and crafts was raised through the Pangnirtung weaving project and Baker Lake print program. The ultimate goal of the division was to facilitate the transfer of ownership of the Canadian Arctic Producers from the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, into the hands of northern producers.
The Game Management Division of the Department of Industry and Development oversaw the management of wildlife resources. A Fur Marketing Service was initiated to assist trappers wishing to take advantage of the services of the large fur auction houses. The Trappers Assistance Program provided repayable loans to enable the trapper to purchase supplies and equipment at the beginning of the trapping season. A Trapper Education Program aimed at encouraging the use of humane traps and assisted making these traps available. Guide Training Schools were conducted, as well as courses to interest young people in the trapping profession. The Game Management Officer Training Program was implemented in 1972 and sought to train northerners to be Game Management Officers and thereby eliminate the need to recruit from Southern Canada. The Game Management Division was also responsible for the development and enforcement of meaningful game laws and regulations. This included a caribou and polar bear tagging program aimed at maintaining the harvest of polar bear and caribou within safe limits and provided biological and management information for maintaining wildlife in appropriate numbers. The Program of Organized Settlement Caribou Hunts was also introduced by this division and assisted settlements in obtaining meat for their use.
In 1973, the Department of Industry and Development was renamed the Department of Economic Development and was restructured to respond more readily and effectively to the growing demands of the modern and traditional economies of the Northwest Territories.
The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) was created on April 1, 2005 when the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development (RWED) split to create ITI and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR).
The priorities of the Department include the overall economy of the territory, the sustainable development of natural and energy resources and needs assessments regarding related industries, industrial initiatives and the negotiation of agreements for proposed developments, development of traditional economy, and development of parks and tourism.
RWED transferred the responsibilities of the Economic Development division in several units: Tourism, Minerals, Oils and Gas, Investment and Economic Analysis and the Business Credit and NWT Development Corporations (which combined in 2006 to form the Business Development and Investment Corporation at arm’s length from ITI, and ceased to be part of the organizational chart of ITI in 2009-2010) to the newly formed ITI.
The Strategic Initiative division included the Diamond Projects, Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Office, Energy and Industrial Initiative units. Corporate Management division was comprised of the Directorate, Policy, Legislation and Communications (PLC) and Corporate Shared Services.
In 2006-2007 the divisions changed to Corporate Management, Economic Development (comprised of Tourism and Parks, Investment and Economic Analysis, and the NWT Business Development Investment Corporation), and Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources (comprised of Minerals, Oils and Gas, Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Office, Energy Planning, and Industrial Initiatives).
In 2008-2009 the divisions changed to Corporate Management, Energy, Tourism and Parks, Economic Diversification and Business Support, and Minerals and Petroleum Resources.
The Department of Information, initially known as Information Services, was organized in Ottawa in May of 1967. The department was re-established in Yellowknife under the direction of E. R. Horton with the transfer of the government in September 1967.
The Department of Information was responsible for informing residents of the Northwest Territories of the policies, programs and activities of the Government of the Northwest Territories, informing the public outside of the Territories about the north, and providing inter-governmental information systems. In addition, it was responsible for meeting the printing, translation, graphic design and publication needs of the Government of the Northwest Territories. By 1969, the Still Photo Library, a component of of the Information Services Department, had catalogued and indexed more than 1100 colour transparencies and 500 black and white negatives.
In 1970, the department was organized into two divisions: Publications and Public Relations. The Publications Division was involved in the research, writing, editing, and designing a variety of government publications, such as the Annual Report and newsletters; its Printing section, later known as the Printing Bureau, handled all Government of the Northwest Territories printing requirements either in-house or through the private sector. In 1979, the head of the Printing Bureau was appointed Territorial Printer and the responsibility for printing all new Northwest Territories ordinances was assumed from the Queen's Printer in 1980.
The Public Relations division, later renamed Public Affairs, was responsible for all public relations functions including press releases, films, slide shows, liaison with the press, escorting dignitaries, translation services and maintaining a photo library. In 1973, an Interpreter-Translator Corps was established within the Public Relations division to meet the needs of communications in the multi-lingual north. The Corps was to provide Dene and Inuit oral interpretation and written translation services for the GNWT, Council of the NWT and other groups and agencies. It also assisted with communications between aboriginal peoples and the government, hospitals, and courts. A radio program production centre was created to provide programming to community stations and prepare government information packages on topics such as the Northwest Territories Council, Home Management and Consumer Affairs. A review of Department of Information functions in 1976 indicated that regionalization of its programs was required. Interpreter-translators in each region became responsible for determining the communication needs within their region and providing programming ideas and materials. The Yellowknife headquarters acted as the service agency for the production of required programs. In 1982, the Interpreter-Translator Corps was reorganized into the Language Bureau to handle the priorities in language and culture activities as set by the Legislative Assembly and the Executive Council. This function was a priority and money was redirected to the Language Bureau from other activities.
Another major initiative of the Department of Information was the Northern Communications Program established in 1978. The program provided the facilities for satellite-fed northern television and radio service to communities. Initially, facilities were provided for communities with populations between 250 and 500 people. These requirements were reduced to communities of 150 people in 1981 and then to communities with populations less than 150 people with an established power supply. By 1986, facilities existed in all qualifying communities. A grant program for operating costs was also offered to local radio stations providing Indigenous language programming.
The Department of Information produced a variety of public information brochures on topics such as the Dene, Inuit, canoeing, transportation, climate, flora, and fauna of the Northwest Territories. Poster series promoting the north were produced, as well as "The Traditional Life Series" consisting of prints of Dene and Inuit.
In 1985, the Government of the Northwest Territories consolidated cultural and communications related activities. The newly formed Department of Culture and Communications assumed the functions of the Department of Information.
The Department of Infrastructure was established April 1, 2017 with the amalgamation of the Department of Public Works and Services and the Department of Transportation. Infrastructure is responsible for strategic planning of public transportation infrastructure (including roads, bridges, ferries, and airports) and energy production and distribution systems; the disposal of surplus government property and goods; environmental impact assessment/regulatory review and approval; information management and technology; Marine Transportation Services; mechanical/electrical regulatory services; motor and vehicle services; planning, design, construction, acquisition, operation and maintenance of public buildings and transportation infrastructure and systems; energy conservation and efficiency programs; property management; and remediation of public infrastructure.
The Department of Justice was created in 1985. It assumed many of the responsibilities of the former Department of Justice and Public Services.
The Department of Justice is responsible for providing a full range of legal services and legislative drafting for all government departments including the Executive Council. It provides administrative support to the Supreme Court and Territorial Court, provides for institutional and community correctional programs and is responsible for the overall provision of legal programs available to the residents of the Northwest Territories. These programs include Criminal Injuries Compensation, Consumer Services, Victims of Crime Initiatives, Document Registries and Public Trustee. The department also sets the goals and objectives for police services in the Northwest Territories and in conjunction with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, maintains appropriate police services. The department provides administrative services in the fields of Law Reform, Legal Aid and Liquor Licensing and Labour Standards. Furthermore, the division managed the administration of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act until funding for the program was withdrawn by the Federal Government in 1996. Before 1989, the department was responsible for the protection of the public and other services in the areas of labour services, public safety, mining inspection services and fire safety. In 1989, these services were transferred to the Department of Safety and Public Services.
The Directorate is responsible for the senior management of the Department of Justice. The Directorate is made up of two sections: policy and planning and financial and administrative services. The Policy and Planning Division was added to the department in 1988. Its responsibilities include: developing departmental policies, setting priorities for departmental activities, coordinating justice consultations at the federal/territorial level, and negotiating agreements between the two levels of government. In addition, this division managed the administration of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act, the Law Reform Committee and Victims Assistance Committee. Financial and Administrative Services includes budget development and control, authorizing financial transactions, financial reporting and personnel administration. Furthermore, the Directorate is responsible for analyzing policing budgets and participating in financial negotiations with outside agencies such as legal aid clinics and the Federal Government. The Deputy Minister also serves as legal advisor to the Executive Council and acts as a liaison between the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Between 1993-94, the Directorate administered the Gun Control Program and Coroners Program, which had been transferred out of the Courts Services Division. In 1994-95, these programs were transferred to the Law Enforcement Division, formerly known as Police Services. Between 1997-98, the Directorate assumed responsibility for the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy as well as the Labour Standards Administration and the Labour Standards Board. In 1999-2000, the name of the division was changed from Directorate to Corporate Services. At this time, the services administered by Lawyer Support Services, including the administration of the Public Trustee office was transferred to the Corporate Services Division. In 2000-2001, Corporate Services, were transferred to the newly formed Services to Government Division which became responsible following programs: Directorate, Finance, Policy, Lawyer Support Services and the Labour Services.
The Police Services Agreement provides for the Government of the Northwest Territories' costs for policing services by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Through this agreement, the goals and objectives for the policing program in the Northwest Territories are established in conjunction with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The Government of the Northwest Territories also has an agreement with the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs for a Native Special Constables Program that fulfils certain policing functions within the communities. Between 1994-95, the Coroners Program and Firearms Program were added to Police Services, which was renamed Law Enforcement Services the same year. These two programs were transferred from the Directorate Division. The Coroners Task provides administration and training for the Coroners Program throughout the Northwest Territories. The Firearms Task administers the Federal Firearms Legislation throughout the Northwest Territories.
The Consumer Services Division, later named the Consumer and Corporate Affairs Division in 1987, administered the Consumer Protection, Landlord and Tenant and Lotteries Act. The division produced consumer information brochures and information items that were broadcast on radio and television. Consumer Services was responsible for the registration of Vital Statistics, registration and licensing of professionals, issuing business licenses, regulating the insurance industry, licensing of motion picture theatres and projectionists and the classification of films. The Liquor Licensing Board was also part of this division and was responsible for granting, renewing, transferring, suspending and canceling liquor licenses and permits. It also controlled the conduct of licensees, their management and equipment at licensed premises and monitored the condition under which liquor was sold or consumed. The Labour Standards Officer was also part of this division and under the Labour Standards Act, investigated complaints from employees. In April 2005, the Labour Services Unit and responsibility of the Labour Standards Board, were transferred from the Department of Justice to Education, Culture and Employment The Legal Registries/Land Titles section joined this division in 1987 and included four sections: Land Titles is responsible for the registration of survey plans and legal documents evidencing land ownership. Corporate Registries is responsible for the registration of all profit and non-profit corporations operating in the Northwest Territories. Document Registry is responsible for the registration of documents evidencing an interest in personal property and the registration of business names. The Securities Registry is responsible for the protection of investors in the Northwest Territories.
In 1987-88, the responsibilities for labour services and enforcing the Liquor Act were transferred from the Consumer Services Division to form the Liquor Board and Labour Services Division. The Labour Standards Officer administered the Labour Standards Act and investigated complaints received under the Fair Practices Act. The Liquor Licensing Board continues to grant, renew, transfer, suspend and cancel liquor licenses and permits. The Consumer Services Division was renamed the Consumer and Corporate Affairs Division.
In 1988, the Legal Registries/Land Titles Activity became its own division when the Consumer Services Division was transferred to the Department of Safety and Public Services. It was renamed Registries and Court Services in 1991 when the Court Services and Land Titles/Legal Registries joined. The Registries and Court Services Division is responsible for providing administrative and technical support to the Supreme Court, Territorial Court and Court of Appeal of the Northwest Territories. This support includes registry offices, the office of the sheriff, court reporters, and a court library. This activity was also responsible for the administration of the Justice of the Peace and Coroners' programs, which included recruitment and training. In addition to providing services, the court travels to approximately 50 locations on a circuit basis. Staff support includes sheriffs, court reporters, judicial officers and clerks, administrative clerks and library personnel. In 1988, Court Services began to administer the Gun Control Program in the Northwest Territories. The division also coordinated a legal interpreters program for aboriginal languages, with assistance from the University of Carleton. Legal Registries is responsible for the operation of the Land Titles Office, the registration of corporations operating within the Northwest Territories, the operation of the system of registration of interests in personal property and the regulation of trading in shares and other securities to the public. In 1989, the Maintenance Enforcement Act was introduced in the Northwest Territories and the Maintenance Enforcement Office became part of the division. This service assisted in the enforcement of family support orders, which contained a provision for financial support to spouses and children from within and outside the Northwest Territories. After the Department of Safety and Public Services ceased to exist in 1997, the Registries and Court Services Division began to administer the Residential Tenancies Act in 1997-1998; the Fair Practices Act was also administered by this division at this time.
The Mining Inspection Services Division operated between 1985-1989. The division implemented all provisions of the Mining Safety Act and Explosives Use Act. The division compiled and maintained statistics on production and accidents and provided services on blaster, explosive, magazine and diesel permits. The responsibilities of this division included: inspection services to mines, quarries, exploration sites and abandoned mines; the provision of mine rescue training to all Northwest Territories mines; the maintenance of mine rescue equipment; the administration of the Northwest Territories Mine Occupational Health and Safety Board; the setting of standards for mine supervisors and other key occupations; the provision of examinations and accreditation to ensure that the required standards are met. Programs in mine rescue training and the supply of rescue equipment to active mines were delivered by this service. The division also provided legislated certification programs for specialist occupations that had a significant safety impact in the mining industry.
The Safety Division included the regulatory and administrative responsibilities for Fire, Mechanical, Electrical, Gas and Occupational Heath and Safety. These responsibilities included investigation of fires and all occupationally related safety and health hazards including inspection of buildings and work areas in all communities of the Northwest Territories. The fire fighting training program was a priority of this division and training courses were held in many northern communities. This department also delivered school programs on fire safety. The Occupational Health and Safety section delivered safety seminars to schools and to on-site construction seminars. Informational packages on workplace health and safety were compiled and distributed through the resource facility. Safety officers, in cooperation with industry workers, identified possible hazardous conditions, promoted safety awareness, outlined safety programs and investigated accidents. The Mechanical/Electrical section administered the Boilers and Pressure Vessels, Electrical Protection and Gas Protection Acts. The electrical inspection section inspected all electrical and elevator installations to ensure compliance with the Electrical Protection Act. The Gas Section enforced the provisions of the Gas Protection Act through inspections, public education and the registration of gasfitters.
In 1989, the Department of Justice underwent a major reorganization and the Mining Inspection Services Division, Safety Division and Consumer Services Division were transferred to the newly created Department of Safety and Public Services. This reorganization enabled the Department of Justice to concentrate on justice services and issues.
The Legal Division acts as the law firm for the government. It provides legal counsel, prepares contracts and other legal documents for all governmental departments, as well as to most boards and public agencies. Legal counsel represents the government in civil litigation before the court and prosecutions under the Labour Standards Act, in arbitration and at administrative tribunal hearings. Lawyers in the division frequently travel to communities and regional offices to provide advice and legal assistance in the interpretation of legislation, drafting of documents and discussion of government programs and policies. The division also assists in the administration of the criminal injuries compensation program pursuant to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act and administered the Fair Practices Act until 1996, when it was transferred to the Constitutional Law division and administered through a private contractor. The Legal Division participated in the continent-wide program of enforcement of family maintenance orders, whereby court orders made in other parts of Canada and the United States can be enforced against a defaulting party who resides in the Northwest Territories. This function was transferred to the Court Services Division in 1989. The Office of the Public Trustee is also administered in the Legal Division. The public trustee administers the estates or trusts of infants, mentally incompetent individuals and certain aboriginal estates.
In 1987-88, the Legal Division was renamed Lawyer Support Services. The division is comprised of three sections: Legal, Legislation and Constitutional Law. The Legislation section had been an independent division within the Department of Justice. The Legislation Division is responsible for the preparation of all Territorial legislation and any legal opinions required in the process of developing legislation. All legislation, orders, appointments and notices are prepared by the division for publication in the Northwest Territories Gazette. Annual volumes of the acts and legislative summaries of the legislation passed at each session of the Legislative Assembly are also prepared by this division for publishing. The Legislation Division is also responsible for the revision of the statutes of the Northwest Territories and for preparing a French version of all the acts and regulations. The Constitutional Law section is responsible for constitutional development in the Government of the Northwest Territories. This includes aboriginal claims, devolution, division and Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This activity was transferred out of the Department of Justice in 1997-98. The Aboriginal and Official Languages Programs joined Lawyer Support Services in 1995-96. Between 1999-2000, the services delivered by Lawyer Support Services, were transferred to the Corporate Services Division which was renamed the Services to Government Division in 2002-2003.
Between 1993-94, the Corrections Service Division was transferred to the Department of Justice from the Department of Social Services. Corrections Services provided institutional and community corrections for adults and young offenders. The institutional mandate is to administer the dispositions of the Courts by providing for the safe custody and detention of adults and young offenders sentenced to a period of incarceration. The division provided culturally relevant training and work programs for offenders while in correctional facilities. The community corrections responsibilities are to provide community justice development in offenders, probation and parole supervision, counseling and aftercare services to adult and young offenders, as well as to promote and develop programs to prevent crime within the community through greater community participation and control. In 1994-95, this division was renamed Community Justice and Corrections. The Community Justice Division fulfilled the responsibilities and offered programs similar to the community corrections program. Crime prevention programs, funding to community based crime prevention programs were delivered by the Community Justice Division. It also administered the Victims Services Fund that provided support to victims of crime and witnesses who were involved with the Supreme and Territorial Courts of the Northwest Territories.
In October 1979, the Department of Public Services, as a result of the Commissioner's Task Force on Administration, was renamed the Department of Justice and Public Services to better reflect new areas of responsibility that were being assumed from the Federal Government. Two new divisions, Museums and Libraries, formerly part of the Department of Natural and Cultural Affairs, were added to this department.
The Department of Justice and Public Services was responsible for legal services and legislative drafting for all government departments and the Executive Council. Other legal responsibilities included administration of legal aid, maintenance of legal registries and provision of administrative support to the Supreme and Territorial Courts. Other programs included consumer services, museums, public libraries, public safety and mining inspection services. In addition, the department administered the Police Services Agreement.
The Directorate Division developed operating guidelines and policy proposals for Executive Council consideration, represented the Department of Justice and Public Services at senior management reviews, provided the financial administration for the department and provided the Government of the Northwest Territories with legal counsel on constitutional and energy related issues. Another responsibility was to liaise between the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in the planning of policing services within the Northwest Territories. The Police Services Agreement provided for the Government of the Northwest Territories' costs for policing services by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The Government of the Northwest Territories also had an agreement with the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development for a Special Native Constables Program to carry out certain policing functions in the communities
The Motor Vehicles Activity provided for registering and licensing of motor vehicles and drivers and enforcement of highway transport legislation. This activity was transferred to the Department of Government Services in 1982.
The Land Titles-Legal Registries Activity, formerly known as the Legal Registries Activity, provided for the land title registration system, and the registering of companies, societies, co-operative associations and the credit union. The Document Registry provided for the registration of personal property and corporate securities. The Land Titles section was responsible for the administration of the Torrens system of land registration. The Land Titles section was only a part of this activity between 1981-1983. The Legal Registries section was responsible for incorporating both profit and non-profit corporations, as well as maintaining a registry of companies incorporated outside the Northwest Territories but operating within the Northwest Territories. This section also regulated trading in securities under provisions of the Securities Ordinance and maintained a filing system for registration of interests in personal property. In 1983-84, the name was changed back to the Legal Registries Activity and a year later, this activity became the responsibility of the Legal Division.
The Legal Division provided legal advice and services to all government departments, secretariats, boards and the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation. This division also administered estates in the Northwest Territories, through its Public Trustee officer. This division had the responsibility, through the register of securities, to administer the provision of the Securities Ordinance, the criminal injuries compensation program in accordance with the Criminal Injuries Compensation Ordinance and to prepare material for the Territorial Gazette. The legal counsels employed in this division were assigned specific departments for provision of legal service. Included were legal opinions, drafting of legal documents and representing the government in various courts of the Northwest Territories, in arbitration and in administrative tribunals. In conjunction with the Department of Local Government, Legislative Counsel visited communities involved in developing municipal regulations in order to provide advice and assistance. Between 1984-85, a Legislation section was added to the Legal Division. This section became responsible for the drafting of Bills for the Legislative Assembly and regulations made pursuant to Territorial Ordinances. The section published Ordinances, Regulations, Commissioner's Orders and the Northwest Territories Gazette. It also carried the responsibility for law reform in the Northwest Territories. The Legal Registries section was also added at this time and provided for registration of companies, societies and co-operative associations. Document Registry provided for registration of contracts respecting personal property and corporate securities. The Securities Registry provided for registration and regulation of the trading in securities.
The Court Services Division was responsible for providing technical, administrative and financial support to the Supreme and Territorial Courts of the Northwest Territories. Included were sheriff and bailiff functions, court reporting services and maintenance of a court library. This activity was also responsible for administering the Justice of the Peace and Coroners' Programs, including recruitment and training through conferences and seminars. The administration of federal firearm legislation also fell within this division.
The Legal Services Board, later named the Legal Aid Division, was established under the Legal Services Ordinance, which ensured the provision of legal services to those persons in need throughout the Northwest Territories. Legal aid was granted in criminal cases where the person charged was eligible under the financial criteria established by the Legal Services Board and in certain civil matters at the discretion of the Board. The Board also acted as the carrier agency for the Native Court Worker program and Maliiganik Tukisiiniakvik Legal Services Centre whose programs, like Legal Aid, were cost-shared by the Federal Department of Justice. In 1984-84, these two associations were established as Regional Committees and became self-administering with their own Boards of Directors; however, they still reported regularly on their activities and were financially accountable to the Legal Services Board. In addition, in 1985-86, the Legal Services Board funded the Keewatin Inuit Association.
The Safety Division encompassed the regulatory and administrative responsibilities of the Government of the Northwest Territories for Fire, Mechanical, Electrical and Industrial Safety, Occupational Heath and administration of the Labour Standards and Fair Practices Ordinance. In 1984-85, the administration of the Labour Standards Ordinance was transferred to Consumer Services. The Safety Division was responsible for the training of volunteer fire chiefs, the investigation of fires and all occupationally related safety and health hazards, including the inspection of buildings and work areas. Other major projects included the development of an occupational health and safety information, a resource library and the development of safety division pamphlets. In 1983, two more areas were transferred to the Safety Division from the Executive: the Gas Protection Ordinance and Emergency Measures program including the transportation of dangerous goods.
The Mining Inspection Services was transferred to the Department of Justice and Public Services from the federal government in 1981. This division encompassed regulatory and administrative responsibilities for implementing the Northwest Territories Mining Safety Ordinance and Mine Safety Rules. These responsibilities included the provision of mine inspection services through which general, environmental, health and safety monitoring and inspection programs were carried out. This activity was also responsible, under the Northwest Territories Mining Safety Ordinance for provision of adequate and sufficient mine rescue equipment to all Northwest Territories mines, periodic maintenance of the equipment and for mine rescue training. Between 1984-85, the Safety Division and Mining Inspection Services Division amalgamated to form the Safety and Mining Division.
The Consumer Services Division administered the Consumer Protection, Landlord and Tenant and Lotteries Act. The division produced consumer information brochures and information items that were broadcast on radio and television. Consumer Services was responsible for the registration of all vital statistics, including the Treaty Indian registers, registration and licensing of professionals, issuing business licenses, regulating the insurance industry, licensing of motion picture theatres and projectionists and the classification of films. Between 1980-1983, the Consumer Services Division provided for the registration and licensing of motor vehicles and drivers and the enforcement of highway transport legislation. This responsibility was transferred to the Department of Government Services in 1983. The Liquor Licensing Board was transferred from the Department of Government Services between 1984-85; the Board was responsible for granting, renewing, transferring, suspending and canceling liquor licenses and permits. It also controlled the conduct of licensees, their management and equipment at licensed premises and monitored the condition under which liquor was sold or consumed. The Labour Standards Officer became part of the division in 1984-85, when it was moved from the Safety Division. The Labour Standards Officer administered the Labour Standards Ordinance and under the Labour Standards Act, investigated complaints from employees. In 1983, the Status of Women Matters Section became part of Consumer Services and was responsible for establishing a permanent government structure to deal with women's issues. This activity was transferred to the Executive in 1984.
The Museums/Heritage Division, formerly known as Museum and Historical Programs, included the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre and the Territorial Archives, both of which were dedicated to the preservation, exhibition and interpretation of the cultural heritage of the Northwest Territories. Community museums and heritage societies were encouraged and supported through a grant program and through the provision of advice, assistance and technical services. This division was also responsible for the protection of all archaeological sites throughout the Northwest Territories. The archaeology program worked on the interpretation of heritage sites for territorial parks and on strengthening the legislation for the conservation of archaeological sites. This section also issued permits for archaeological research.
The Library Services Division enabled the general public, business and industry to access materials to assist in meeting informational, educational, cultural and recreational needs through the territorial library system: Northwest Territories Public Library Services. This division also administered a program that provided some financial assistance for the wages of local librarians, utilities in community libraries and capital funds for buildings and furnishings. The government library was transferred to the Department of Justice and Public Services in 1983. This library received and collected all Federal and Territorial publications, general reference and bibliographical material, northern reference material and books and journals in the area of public policy.
In 1985, the Department of Justice and Public Services was re-organized and renamed the Department of Justice; the Museums/Heritage Division and Library Services Division were transferred to the Department of Culture and Communications.