CanNor-13-023
Iqaluit, Nunavut (September 6, 2013) – The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), and Minister for the Arctic Council, today congratulated the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) and the Baffin Iron Mines Corporation (BIMC) on signing an Inuit Impact Benefit Agreement for the Mary River iron ore project.
"I am pleased that after years of negotiations, QIA and BIMC have come to an agreement that identifies tangible opportunities for Inuit to take advantage of socio-economic benefits related to the Mary River Project," said Minister Aglukkaq. "This agreement signifies a positive step toward enhancing the quality of life for Inuit of the Qikiqtaaluk region and I would like to congratulate both parties on this great accomplishment."
The Mary River Project is located on the northeast coast of Baffin Island, near the community of Pond Inlet, Nunavut. The project is expected to create thousands of jobs during the construction and operation phases, with an estimated peak mining rate of 21.5 million tonnes per year over a projected mine lifespan of 21 years.
The project has undergone extensive regulatory review and CanNor's Northern Projects Management Office (NPMO) has played a coordination role throughout. NPMO provides issues management, path-finding services and advice to industry and communities, and coordinates the northern responsibilities of federal regulators to support a timely, efficient and transparent review process.
CanNor is committed to working in partnership with other federal departments, the Government of Nunavut, Inuit organizations and other partners to support responsible resource development in Nunavut. CanNor's NPMO also works with northern communities to help prepare them to participate in and benefit from major projects and northern resource development through community planning by identifying training, employment, and business opportunities while continuing to protect and promote the traditional economy.
For more information, visit Canada's Northern Strategy.
Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Jennifer Kennedy
819-997-1441
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Erin Macpherson
Communications Advisor
867-667-3849
