The Intergovernmental Affairs Secretariat
The mandate of the secretariat is derived from the following legislation:
The secretariat is responsible for monitoring and analyzing intergovernmental dimensions of constitutional, social, fiscal, economic, resource and trade policy matters in order to formulate and provide policy advice on the development of government’s intergovernmental strategy and agenda. Further, the secretariat coordinates and provides support for interdepartmental initiatives that have intergovernmental implications.
The secretariat aims to ensure that provincial policies, programs and services are developed and delivered in a manner that is culturally meaningful and appropriate for Indigenous peoples in Newfoundland and Labrador. This is accomplished primarily through the provision of advice and support to provincial departments and agencies and participation in provincial horizontal initiatives.
The secretariat represents the province in any tripartite negotiations amongst the Provincial Government, Federal Government and Indigenous governments and organizations towards land claims, self-government, devolution and other agreements. The secretariat is responsible for coordinating government departments’ implementation and management of their respective obligations under any such agreements.
The secretariat provides leadership and advice with respect to any duty to consult Indigenous governments and organizations that may be owed by the Provincial Crown. Principles of Aboriginal Consultation are set out in the publically available Aboriginal Consultation Policy on Land and Resource Development Decisions.
The secretariat collaborates with Indigenous governments and organizations, Provincial Government departments/entities, the federal government and industry organizations to advance the economic and social aspirations of Indigenous people. The secretariat also participates in inter-jurisdictional working groups and committees, including with National Indigenous Organizations, to advance Indigenous interests.
The secretariat urges the Federal Government to more fully discharge its Constitutional responsibility to all Indigenous people in the province, in particular by providing all Indigenous people access to all Indigenous federal programs and services.