Introduction

In most NWT communities, the municipal government is responsible for providing a variety of programs and services to local residents. The top job in a municipal government is usually called the City Manager, a Town Manager, a Senior Administrative Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, or Band Manager depending on the community. For simplicity, this Handbook refers to all of these positions as a Local Government Administrator:

The Local Government Administrator (LGA) is an essential position within a municipal government. As such, the LGA should be:

• knowledgeable about all relevant acts, regulations and policies,
• able to advise and support Council, and
• capable of managing the day-to-day operation of the municipal government, including staff and finances

The purpose of this wiki is to assist LGAs understand the key aspects of their jobs and provide up to date resource materials to assist them.

There are 33 communities in the NWT ranging from the City of Yellowknife to First Nations such as Kakisa. Given this diversity, it is not possible to address all the topics and issues that may be of concern to a specific community or LGA.

However, municipal governments do share many similarities in terms of their roles, responsibilities and practices.

Part 1 of the Wiki is intended for LGAs that are new to their jobs or new to working in the NWT. It provides general information on how political power and authority is organized within the NWT and an orientation to what a municipal government and the LGA position is all about.

Part 2 of the Wiki covers the main responsibilities of the LGA position. These include governance, human resources, finances, infrastructure, program and service delivery as well as other duties.

1.0 Levels of Government In The NWT
1.1 Federal / Provincial / Territorial Division of Powers
1.2 Department of Indian and Northern Affairs
1.3 Government of the NWT
1.4 Aboriginal Land Claims / Self Government Agreements
1.5 Community Governments

2.0 Community Governments and the LGA
2.1 History
2.2 Elected Officials and Administration
2.3 LGA Role and Responsibilities
2.4 Important Legislation

3.0 Resource Management
3.1 Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act
3.2 Resource Management Boards and Agencies

4.0 Governance
4.1 Planning
4.2 Council Meetings
4.3 Making Decisions
4.4 Conflict of Interest

5.0 Human Resources
5.1 Role of the LGA
5.2 Human Resource Planning
5.3 Attracting and Retaining Staff
5.4 Terminations
5.5 Personnel Records
5.6 Human Resource Policies
5.7 Union Agreements

6.0 Financial Management
6.1 Types of Funding
6.2 Sources of Funding
6.3 Other Revenues
6.4 Budget
6.5 Financial Statements
6.6 Financial Policies

7.0 Infrastructure
7.1 New Deal for NWT Community Governments
7.2 Capital Assets
7.3 Capital Planning
7.4 Project Management
7.5 Procurement and Contracting
7.6 Infrastructure Maintenance

8.0 Program and Service Delivery
8.1 Land Management
8.2 Water Treatment and Wastewater
8.3 Infrastructure Maintenance
8.4 Public Safety and Protection
8.5 Recreation and Cultural Activities
8.6 Energy and Environment

9.0 Other Duties
9.1 Communications and Media
9.2 Proposal Writing
9.3 Elections
9.4 Environmental Regulation
9.5 Economic Development

Appendix A: Sample Financial Procedures Manual
Appendix B: Sample Budget Policy
Appendix C: Sample Borrowing Bylaw
Appendix D: Differences in Community Government Structures
Appendix E: Sample Human Resource Plan
Appendix F: Mandatory Bylaws
Appendix G: Discretionary Bylaws