Question Period Note: Baffinland Iron Mines’ Mary River Project

• Following an expedited review process for the Production Increase Proposal Renewal, wherein Nunavummiut had opportunities to participate, the Review Board is currently preparing their Reconsideration Report.
• Our Government supports strong, sustainable northern resource development that creates opportunity and respects the environment. We also trust in northern co-management frameworks, which allows for a broad range of interests to be considered.

• Once the Board’s Report is received, my colleagues and I will begin reviewing the Board’s recommendations and will issue a decision based on due diligence and an assessment of whether the duty to consult has been met.

N/A

If pressed on the consultation/review process
• The Government of Canada relies upon the Nunavut Impact Review Board’s assessment process to assist in discharging the Crown’s duty to consult owed to potentially affected Indigenous groups.

• The Nunavut Impact Review Board’s process is robust and provides the opportunity for affected Indigenous Peoples to express their views and any concerns with respect to potential project-related impacts.

• The Government of Canada will consult with affected designated Inuit organizations on the Board’s recommendations before the Ministers make a decision.
 
If pressed on participant funding

• Since 2018, the Department, through the Northern Participant Funding Program, has approved financial support to 13 organizations involved in the Phase 2 review, with a total funding amount of $2,098,452.

• An additional $120,000 of participant funding has been approved to support hamlets and hunters and trappers organizations involved in the review of the Production Increase Proposal Renewal.

• The funding provided was contingent upon multiple factors, including the Program’s recipient funding cap, program eligibility requirements, and distribution of the annual program budget across all major impact assessments in the three territories.

• This funding has helped ensure the meaningful participation of North Baffin Inuit and other interested parties in the Phase 2 and the Production Increase Proposal Renewal reviews.

If pressed on meetings during the decision phase

• As specified in my mandate letter, I am accountable to Parliament for the performance of my responsibilities and additionally the Open and Accountable Government outlines the standards of conduct expected of Ministers.

• I must ensure that my Ministerial duties are conducted in a way that respects the integrity of the decision-making process, and is open, transparent, fair and in a manner that would bear the closest public scrutiny.

• During the decision phase, parties wanting to share their opinions on the Board’s recommendation should contact the President of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency.

If pressed on Baffinland’s recent layoff notice

• The Government of Canada is aware that Baffinland has filed a notice to the Nunavut Labour Standards Compliance Office, indicating the possibility that around 1100 workers, including 209 Inuit employees, could be laid off in September and October.

• The Government of Canada recognizes the social and economic importance of the Baffinland Iron Mines Mary River Project to Inuit and Northerners.

• Questions regarding the Nunavut Labour Standard should be directed to the Government of Nunavut.

If pressed on the request for an emergency order

• Baffinland requested a Ministerial Emergency Certification under the Nunavut Planning and Project Assessment Act.

• Baffinland asked the Nunavut Impact Review Board to amend their Project Certificate, to increase the amount of iron ore allowed to be transported and shipped.

• The co-management processes established through the Nunavut Agreement and developed with Inuit and territorial partners provide certainty for all.

If pressed on the Phase 2 proposal

• Following an extensive Phase 2 proposal review, wherein Nunavummiut had significant opportunity to participate, the Review Board has recommended the project not proceed at this time.

• Our Government supports strong, sustainable northern resource development that creates opportunity and respects the environment. We also trust in northern co-management frameworks; as has been evidenced in this case, the process allows for a broad range of interests to be considered.

• For further information about the reconsideration process, I encourage you to contact the Nunavut Impact Review Board.

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 for Phase 2.

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