(October 8, Iqaluit, Nunavut) – In order to address community concerns regarding the National Energy Board’s (NEB) decision for the seismic survey in Baffin Bay and Davis Strait, Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) will hold a series of Inuit Qaujimatuqangit (IQ) workshops in the affected communities to collect IQ and integrate it into the design of the seismic survey and other decision-making processes related to resource exploration and development activities in the region.

QIA and NTI are disappointed with NEB’s decision on June 26, 2014 to issue a seismic survey permit, and with Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada’s (AANDC) approval of the Canada Benefits Plan related to this project before a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is completed.

Inuit have made their position clear that we object to any seismic testing before our concerns are properly addressed and the SEA is completed in Baffin Bay and Davis Strait. Inuit have not been adequately consulted on the potential benefits of the project and/or impacts on marine mammals.

Inuit are concerned about the potential impacts of this project on harvesting marine mammals that travel outside Nunavut and migrate within Nunavut. It is important that community concerns are heard and that IQ is incorporated into all resource development decisions. The IQ workshops will address community concerns and work with the proponent to integrate IQ from the affected communities in the design of the seismic survey.

Larry Audlaluk, Interim President for QIA is confident that, ‘’Integrating IQ in the design of the seismic survey will help minimize potential impacts on the marine mammals that Inuit depend on.’’

NTI President Cathy Towtongie said that, “QIA and NTI are committed to working together to ensure community concerns are being heard and addressed moving forward.”

QIA and NTI are committed to developing a thorough and robust SEA that incorporates IQ, and have sent a joint letter to AANDC urging government to follow through on its commitment to conduct a SEA concurrently with the proposed seismic survey, and to commit to completing a SEA that will provide meaningful engagement with all affected communities in addition to informed decision-making based on a clear understanding of the socio-economic and eco-systemic impacts of the oil and gas exploration and development, including seismic survey.

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Media contacts:
Maude Bertrand
Communications Manager
Qikiqtani Inuit Association
867.975.8400
1.800.667.2742
mbertrand@qia.ca

Kerry McCluskey
Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
867.975.4900
1.888.646.0006
kmccluskey@tunngavik.com