The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) would like to thank the Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB)and staff for all of their efforts in conducting a review of the proposed Mary River Project.

“It has been four years of hard work. QIA has been an integral part of this process and we look forward to final project approval,” said President Okalik Eegeesiak.

The QIA Board and Executive thanks and acknowledges the efforts of all the people who participated in the review process, especially the Mary River Project Committee members from the seven more impacted communities, the QIA technical staff and consultants and other Inuit who participated in the final hearing process. These contributions have clearly influenced NIRB’s final recommendations.

Pending the review of NIRB’s Final Decision Report, the Minister has the choice to approve or disapprove the project. If approved, the next step in the review process is the project certificate workshop where interveners get together to discuss the various terms and conditions found within the NIRB Final Decision Report.

QIA will now conduct a detailed internal analysis of the NIRB report in preparation for the project certificate workshop and water license review.

QIA and Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation (BIMC) continue to work towards reaching final agreements on an Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement (IIBA) and Commercial Production Lease.

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For further information, please contact:

Craig Welsh
Director of Communications
Tel: (867) 975-8416
Fax: (867) 979-3238
E-mail: cwelsh@qia.ca