NationTalk: Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) welcomes the decision of the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, on behalf of responsible ministers, on the Nunavut Impact Review Board’s (NIRB) Reconsideration Report on Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation’s (Baffinland) Mary River Project Phase 2 Proposal issued on May 13, 2022 (the “Report”). The NIRB determined in the Report that Phase 2 should not be allowed to proceed, and Minister Vandal accepted the Report. The federal government’s decision marked the end of the NIRB Phase 2 decision-making process as well as the Phase 2 proposal.

“This is the right decision for Inuit and the right decision for the affected communities at this time, given the potential significant and negative effects on the marine environment, marine mammals, fish, caribou and other terrestrial wildlife, vegetation and freshwater that cannot be adequately mitigated based on the Phase 2 proposal, as well as negative impact on Inuit harvesting, traditional activities and food security,” said President Aluki Kotierk.

NTI Vice President James Eetoolook added “We are conscious that the delay of an expansion plan like Phase 2 would delay the realization of many potential economic benefits to the communities – however, a massive expansion like Phase 2 needs to be done responsibly, balancing the need to protect Inuit rights and to mitigate impacts on wildlife, environment, and Inuit way of life. Inuit support responsible resource development, and we are confident Baffinland will be able to find a way forward, to continue to provide positive contributions to Inuit employment and Nunavut economy.”
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Contact:
Kevin Kablutsiak
Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
media@tunngavik.com
Tel: (867) 975-4900 / Toll-free: 1-888-646-0006