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 and all northerners and respects the environment.
• Although the April 2021 hearings were suspended due to COVID-19 in Iqaluit, federal officials participated in the resumed Final Hearings from November 1-6, 2021.
• Upon conclusion of the assessment, the Nunavut Impact Review Board will issue its recommendation to the Minister of Northern Affairs within 45 days.

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If pressed on the Consultation/Review Process
• During the impact assessment, the Government of Canada relies upon the Nunavut Impact Review Board’s process to ensure Inuit and other Indigenous people are consulted.
• Further, Baffinland Iron Mines conducts its own engagement with Inuit organizations to ensure they understand the proposed project and to resolve outstanding concerns.
• Throughout the review, the Board has balanced public health concerns and other issues while ensuring Inuit are accommodated in the process.

If pressed on if the Government of Canada has already made a decision on the Mary River Phase 2 proposal
• The fact that the Government of Canada made few comments or questions during the Public Hearings by no means implies that a decision to approve the project has already been made.
• Once the Government of Canada is in receipt of the Board’s Report and Recommendation, Ministers will make their decision based on due diligence and a comprehensive decision framework that includes whether the duty to consult has been met or not.

If pressed on the Espoo Convention
• Canada appreciates that Baffinland has provided information to Greenland, and has received submissions from Greenland’s consultation process, which will be considered by Ministers in the decision phase.
• Canada will work to fully meet its multilateral obligations under the Espoo Convention.

If pressed on resolutions against supporting Phase 2
• Though the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and a number of community organizations have resolved to not support the Phase 2 proposal, it is important to note that the Nunavut Impact Review Board is still assessing the project and will be considering all perspectives before making their final recommendation.
• The beauty of Nunavut’s co-management approach is that it allows for all voices and opinions to be heard.

If pressed on Participant Funding
• Since 2018, the Department, through the Northern Participant Funding Program, has provided financial support to 13 organizations involved in the Mary River Phase 2 review, with a total funding amount of $2,135,187.
• The funding provided is contingent upon multiple factors, including a funding cap of $150,000 per year per recipient, program eligibility requirements, and distribution of the overall annual program budget across all major impact assessments in the three territories.