Question Period Note: Baffinland Iron Mines Mary River Project

Our Government supports a strong resource development sector that is sustainable and respects the environment.
Departmental officials are working diligently to ensure that the Phase 2 review proceeds in a timely and thorough manner.
The department will continue to participate in the impact assessment process lead by the Nunavut Impact Review Board to ensure the project is environmentally and socially responsible.

o Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation’s Mary River Project is an iron ore mine located in the Qikiqtani Region of North Baffin Island. Initially approved in 2012, the mine has undergone a number of amendments to increase the project’s viability. The most recent proposal referred to as Phase 2 is seeking an increase in ore produced from 4.2 to 12 million tonnes per annum, transported by rail and shipped through a northern route at Milne Inlet.
o On November 6, 2019, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated requested an adjournment of the Nunavut Impact Review Board’s final hearing for a period of up to 12 months. Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated cited deficiencies in the consultation with the Inuit of Nunavut and technical inadequacies with Baffinland’s proposal.
o Following the final public hearing, Baffinland issued a notice that as of November 15, 2019, 96 Inuit (and 490 non-Inuit) Contractor employees from the five impacted communities would be negatively impacted by the demobilizing of works. Baffinland indicated that the demobilizing effort is an immediate cost cutting measure required due to the uncertainty of Phase 2.
o The Nunavut Impact Review Board is deliberating to consider the way forward, then will issue correspondence describing next steps.

If pressed on lay offs

The Government of Canada recognizes the social and economic importance of the Baffinland Iron Mines Mary River Project to Inuit and Northerners, and the benefits of getting these employees back to work at the Mary River Mine.
I understand Baffinland has reinstated some of its Inuit contract workers and I was pleased to hear this update. However, I realize that further steps are needed before a decision can be made on whether the Mary River Project can increase production.

If pressed on Consultation/Review Process

During the impact assessment, engagement is carried out through the Nunavut Impact Review Board’s process. Further, Baffinland is conducting additional engagement with Inuit organizations to resolve outstanding concerns.

If pressed on Health and Safety Violations

I was sorry to hear about the workplace death of a Baffinland employee in 2018 at the Mary River Mine site and I respect the Territory’s jurisdiction on the alleged health and safety violations that is now before the courts.