Minister Akeeagok responds to federal decision regarding Baffinland expansion

Statement

Minister Akeeagok responds to federal decision regarding Baffinland expansion

Following the decision by federal Minister of Northern Affairs Dan Vandal that Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation’s Mary River Phase 2 Development Proposal should not be allowed to proceed, Minister of Economic Development and Transportation and Minister of Environment David Akeeagok today released the following statement:

“The Government of Nunavut (GN) supports responsible resource development and the role of the Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) in the territory’s environmental regulatory system.

While the GN recognizes that Baffinland’s proposed expansion project would provide socio-economic benefits to Nunavummiut, Minister Vandal’s decision reflects the concerns brought forward in the Reconsideration Report and Recommendations provided by NIRB in May 2022. We recognize the benefits of existing operations at Mary River, as well as the need to protect our lands and waters. I commend Minister Vandal for balancing this difficult decision.  

The Minister’s commitment to the regulatory regime is acknowledged. Nunavummiut, regulators, intervenors, and proponents all benefit from an efficient and transparent regulatory system.”

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Media Contact:

Sierra LeBlanc
Manager, Communications
Department of Economic Development and Transportation
867-975-7818
@email