Government of Nunavut legislators are speaking out against a federal bill that MP Lori Idlout is proposing to alter the territorySA国际影视传媒檚 mining regulations.
Arviat South MLA Joe Savikataaq prodded Premier P.J. Akeeagok and Economic Development and Mines Minister David Akeeagok to express their opposition to IdloutSA国际影视传媒檚 private memberSA国际影视传媒檚 bill C-326, to amend the Territorial Lands Act, which has already been introduced in the House of Commons.
Savikataaq vehemently rejected IdloutSA国际影视传媒檚 premise that NunavutSA国际影视传媒檚 mine development process is SA国际影视传媒渇lawed.SA国际影视传媒�
In the legislative assembly on Oct. 26, the premier reaffirmed his SA国际影视传媒渢rust the institution of pubic governments we do have, right from the impact review board to the water board, among many other institutions and public governments. I feel very confident in the systems that are in place. I am not aware of our MPSA国际影视传媒檚 bill, and I have not yet spoken to the member of Parliament, Ms. Idlout, specifically on her bill. She has reached out to be able to discuss what is contained in her bill, but I have yet to review the details of what has been presented.SA国际影视传媒�
Savikataaq noted that Idlout and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh met with the premier the week before.
Akeeagok replied, SA国际影视传媒淒uring that meeting, we didnSA国际影视传媒檛 cover specifically the importance mining has within our economy. However, I do commit to continuing to advocate that and meeting with the member of Parliament to advocate our position, and to reaffirm the importance of finding that balance, in particular, as we go through the development of the draft land-use plan, which strives to strike a balance between the two very important fields as we move forwardSA国际影视传媒�
SA国际影视传媒淚 think it is very important to ensure that we realize the opportunities and I actually just had the amazing opportunity to go to a mine side just outside of Rankin Inlet to see, directly, the impact that is very positive of the Inuit employment we see from the community, the business opportunities that comes with it, but also there is the other side that the member mentioned,SA国际影视传媒� the premier added. SA国际影视传媒淲e must find that balance, and that is really the message that weSA国际影视传媒檝e said right from the beginning since we formed government and will continue to ensure we send that message, that we support responsible development right across the territory.SA国际影视传媒�
Savikataaq spoke passionately in favour of responsible mining, which is a major economic driver in the Kivalliq region, where two Agnico Eagle gold mines are in production.
SA国际影视传媒淪A国际影视传媒esponsible, sustainable mining is good for Nunavut,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淚 greatly respect our environment and I want our environment to be good, but we also have to provide opportunities for Nunavummiut to get employment.SA国际影视传媒�
David Akeeagok expressed similar sentiment.
SA国际影视传媒淢ines have been welcome in this territory, and we have seen the benefits of mining, and itSA国际影视传媒檚 through those very rigorous regulatory resumes that we do have that Nunavummiut have been able to provide input, and Nunavummiut are seeing the benefits of mining,SA国际影视传媒� the minister said. SA国际影视传媒淲e support all sectors of any of our economy, and with mining, our gross domestic product is very high thanks to them.SA国际影视传媒�
They SA国际影视传媒榙onSA国际影视传媒檛 understandSA国际影视传媒�
When contacted for comment, Idlout told SA国际影视传媒 that her concern is that the territorial legislators SA国际影视传媒渄onSA国际影视传媒檛 understand why I tabled the bill.SA国际影视传媒�
She said Savikataaq never contacted her office to better inform himself or voice his concerns.
SA国际影视传媒淚 would have been pleased if he wanted to reach out to me. I sincerely want him to reach out to me so I can alleviate his concerns. His misunderstanding is misleading other people,SA国际影视传媒� she said.
SA国际影视传媒淲hat my bill is doing,SA国际影视传媒� Idlout clarified, SA国际影视传媒渋s making sure Inuit give informed consent. Right now, the current process with the entrance system is to purchase acquisition of mining rights on landsSA国际影视传媒� and hold onto them for decades. This allows [companies] to build a case to mine. Duty to consult doesnSA国际影视传媒檛 happen until much later. My bill is proposing a minor change to gain Inuit permission prior [to purchase]. All ISA国际影视传媒檓 doing is opening the door to prior and informed consent earlier in the process. ISA国际影视传媒檓 not trying to dictate government process.SA国际影视传媒�
Idlout went on to reference CanadaSA国际影视传媒檚 commitment to respecting the United NationsSA国际影视传媒� Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) and said that the Territorial Lands Act is SA国际影视传媒渁 good starting point.SA国际影视传媒�
She said she hopes to clarify her intent during her next meeting with NunavutSA国际影视传媒檚 premier.
SA国际影视传媒淚 am not trying to stop mining as I was accused of. ItSA国际影视传媒檚 hard to understand something if you donSA国际影视传媒檛 ask,SA国际影视传媒� she said.
She added that she has sent a letter to all Nunavummiut broaching this issue and also provided her officeSA国际影视传媒檚 contact information. She encouraged anyone with concerns to reach out.
SA国际影视传媒淭hereSA国际影视传媒檚 a lot of misinformation out there. My office is open. I just want to remind all Nunavummiut that I am here to work for them. I am here to help,SA国际影视传媒� she said.
