Topic spans: 1976 - 1999
Northwest Territories: Voting in Canada's North
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.
7 television clips
9 radio clips
Making sense of consensus government
Broadcast Date: Oct. 22, 1985
There are no political parties in the Northwest Territories. Instead, candidates run as independents. They are elected on the basis of their local status and popularity, not because of any party affiliation. In this 1985 CBC Radio clip, former N.W.T. government leader George Braden explains the intricacies of this unique non-partisan, consensus form of government.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.
Making sense of consensus government
• The population of the Northwest Territories is just over 42,000 (2003). Approximately half of the population is aboriginal. The landmass of the N.W.T. stretches over 1.2 million square kilometres.• Before the creation 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.)
Making sense of consensus government
Medium: Radio
Program: Morningside
Broadcast Date: Oct. 22, 1985
Guest(s): George Braden
Host: Peter Gzowski
Duration: 10:09
Last updated:
July 15, 2009
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16 clips in this topic . page
Radio
4:57
Jan. 18, 1967
Ottawa hands over more power to the territory, but retains control of its natural resources.
Topic
On April 1, 1999, the new territory of Nunavut was born, finally making the controversial dream of the Northwest Territories' Inuit a reality. It meant the Inuit gained self-rule and control over their own...
Making sense of consensus government .
The CBC Digital Archives Website.
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
Last updated: July 15, 2009.
[Page consulted on Feb. 16, 2012.]