Northern Affairs Minister Daniel Vandal rejected BaffinlandSA国际影视传媒檚 Phase 2 project proposal following a statement made by the minister on November 16.
SA国际影视传媒淎fter careful consideration and consultations, the federal government is accepting the recommendation of the Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) that the proposal, in its current form, should not proceed at this time,SA国际影视传媒� Vandal wrote in his statement.
Back in May of this year NIRB submitted a not reccomend decision to Northern Affairs Canada, a recommendation the federal government is following.
SA国际影视传媒淭he federal government is not in a position to unilaterally impose new or varied terms and conditions that not have been considered by (NIRB) or impacted parties - that goes against the spirit and intent of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, which sets out specific Inuit rights related to lands and resources,SA国际影视传媒� said Vandal.
Reasons for the federal governmentSA国际影视传媒檚 rejection include a number of concerns identified in the NIRB process, these include potential adverse effects on marine life, freshwater, and possible negative impacts on Inuit culture, harvesting, land use and food security in the territory.
SA国际影视传媒淲e are disappointed by the MinisterSA国际影视传媒檚 decision,SA国际影视传媒� said Brian Penney, CEO of Baffinland.
SA国际影视传媒淭he ministerSA国际影视传媒檚 decision has immediate and significant implications for the current Mary River operations and our workforce of 2,500 people. We look forward to immediately meeting with the (Qikiqatni Inuit Association) and the Minister to discuss a path forward,SA国际影视传媒� he added.
Vandal encouraged Baffinland to apply for a new project and to consider any new commitments in a public setting and stressed the need to trust in the NIRB process. A sentiment also echoed by the Government of Nunavut.
SA国际影视传媒淲hile the GN recognizes that BaffinlandSA国际影视传媒檚 proposed expansion project would provide socio-economic benefits to Nunavummiut, Minister VandalSA国际影视传媒檚 decision reflects the concerns brought forward in the Reconsideration Report and Recommendations provided by NIRB in May 2022. We recognize the existing operations at Mary River, as well as the need to protect our lands and waters,SA国际影视传媒� said David Akeeagok, NunavutSA国际影视传媒檚 Minister of Economic Development and Transportation.
Nunavut MP Lori Idlout welcomed the decision to reject Phase 2, saying that it shows the federal government is able to listen to Inuit in ways it hasnSA国际影视传媒檛 before.
SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 a step toward reconciliation because Inuit felt ignored throughout the whole process. For them to be heard from both (NIRB) and the Minister is very important,SA国际影视传媒� said Idlout.
She adds a lack of clarity from BaffinlandSA国际影视传媒檚 part during the NIRB process was also a major reason for the rejection.
SA国际影视传媒淭hroughout the whole NIRB hearing process a lot of hunters and trappers organizations and stakeholders felt ignored, they have tried to get clarity from Baffinland. So many times responses could have been more sincere, but (Baffinland) werenSA国际影视传媒檛 being enforced by NIRB, there was a lot of concern from us,SA国际影视传媒� said Idlout.
Inuit being vocal in their opposition, particularly from North Baffin hunters and trappers organizations have also been an critical part of the decision outcome.
SA国际影视传媒淚 honestly think that if SA国际影视传媒榠t wasnSA国际影视传媒檛 for our advocacy, if wasnSA国际影视传媒檛 for Inuit standing together that they would probably would have approved it.SA国际影视传媒�
