Question Period Note: Baffinland Iron Mines Mary River Phase 2 Project

• Our Government supports a strong resource development sector in the north that is sustainable, creates opportunity for Indigenous northerners and respects the environment.

• Federal officials continue to participate in the review process, which is designed to ensure the project is environmentally and socially responsible while considering the concerns of Nunavummiut.

• Upon conclusion of the assessment, the Review Board will issue its recommendation within 45 days. Responsible Ministers should render their decision within the legislated 90 day timeframe, considering especially the duty to consult.

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If pressed on the blockades (79 words)
• The Government of Canada respects the right to peacefully protest and is committed to supporting Inuit communities, as well as Inuit self-determination, as we work to advance reconciliation and renew the relationship with Indigenous peoples.

• We are pleased that the protesters have decided to end their blockade and have agreed to meet with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association to ensure their concerns are understood, and gain support for those concerns before resumption of the public hearings.

If pressed on the Consultation/Review Process (83 words)

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

• The Inuit Certainty Agreement between the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and Baffinland addresses many of the Association’s concerns.

• The Government of Canada relies on the Review Board’s process to discharge the duty to consult, however the Board has to balance public health concerns and other issues while ensuring Inuit are accommodated in the process.

If pressed on the Espoo Convention (39 words)

• Canada is pleased that Baffinland has engaged with Greenland and looks forward to receiving Greenland’s input, which will be considered by Ministers in the decision phase.

• Canada will work to fully meet its multilateral obligations under the Espoo Convention.