Readers would have good cause for confusion over the Diavik environmental review process. BHP went through a panel review, Diavik is subject to a comprehensive review.
What's the difference, you ask? Good question. Simply put, the panel review is overseen by independent experts. In a comprehensive review, people installed by the government conduct the review. Typically, a panel review is called for when there is a great deal of public concern expressed over a project or the project uses new, untested technologies and methods for mining.
In the case of Diavik, DIAND felt that there was not an unusual amount of public concern and the mining technology to be used was "off the shelf."
DIAND, along with Natural Resources Canada and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, are the federal departments involved in the assessment. DIAND is the lead agency, which is largely an administrative responsibility.
In order to ensure adequate aboriginal participation, the comprehensive review has a steering committee made up of representatives of aboriginal groups, the GNWT and the federal government.
Throughout the process there are opportunities for other interest groups to let the review know about their concerns. DIAND has limited funding to aid these groups with their presentations. DIAND has also created a pool of experts to advise the review. The experts are employees of various government agencies. Where the agencies are unable to find appropriate expertise within their own ranks, they hire outside help. Either way, the experts are employed by the government.
To save money and speed up the process, outside groups seeking expert opinions can use DIAND's pool of experts rather than ask for money to research their projects.
So, the main difference between the BHP review and the one selected for Diavik is the independence of the review body.
All parties involved in the Diavik review, including the federal government, have a high stakes economic interest in the project approval. There is no one to represent the considerable environmental interests of Northerners and Canadians.
That absence alone undermines the integrity of the environmental review process.
City council showed good sense last week in deviating from its policy to never pay real estate commissions to sell city-owned property.
The city had been trying to sell the 50A Avenue house, which used to be occupied by former senior administrative officer Doug Lagore, on its own.
However, it was only able to entice two offers on the home, both of which were far below market value.
It's just good business sense to give local realtors a shot.
If, after commission, the city rakes in more than the original two offers, everyone wins -- especially city taxpayers.
Last week 100 first Nation chiefs came to Yellowknife for a treaty conference sponsored by the Assembly of First Nations.
That the chiefs chose Yellowknife as an appropriate conference site speaks well of the city's experience with the spirit and language of treaty issues. Yellowknifers know first hand that resolved land claims are good for people and business. Political certainty makes the regions stronger which in turn makes the city stronger.
Sadly, one of the most outstanding claims in the North is on Yellowknife's doorstep -- Treaty 8. Next year is the 100th anniversary of the signing. It's about time both sides got down to the unfinished business of getting the deal done.
Editorial Comment
Marty Brown
Kivalliq News
I went to the Sivuliuqtit graduation ceremony last week. I didn't cry but I almost did. I get emotional at weddings, school concerts and graduations.
I thought of all the hard work that went into this particular event. Three hard years of work -- of learning, sacrificing, loosing sleep, balancing personal life with academic life. It wasn't easy, but then nothing worthwhile ever is.
The graduates were poised, confident and articulate. They seemed more than ready to challenge any task set before them. And since they will be the senior management for the new Nunavut government, it was quite encouraging to see the government is there to help guide students through the birth into their new life.
Linda Pimek, one of the instructors of the course offered by Nunavut Arctic College said teaching that course was one of the most exciting things she's ever done as a teacher.
All the graduates spoke highly of the course but they were very tired and glad it was over. Graduates like Theresie Tungilik, who is not only a wife and mother, but held down three different jobs during the three-year course. That's dedication.
One thing that is so exciting to be living in Nunvaut just prior to April 1, is that everything is new -- new buildings, new ideas and new graduates all go along with the new government.
It is exciting but burnout is a real factor. Working toward the new government and not looking after their own personal needs, like sleep, recreation and exercise could be a big problem.
Elders Rhonda Karetak and Mariano Aupilardjuk told the students they can't go back, they must go forward. And these nine graduates will be doing just that. By the spring of 1999, the last of the 50 graduates of Sivuliuqtit will receive their diplomas and the course will be over for good.
I must say I envied those graduates last Thursday night. They were helping set the stage for something new and vibrant.
I remembered moving North 15 years ago and learning about Nunavut for the first time. Coming from the south, (30 miles north of Toronto actually, but don't hold that against me) I hadn't even heard of a plan to divide the territories. I remember being very surprised and wondered why? The population base was so small!
Now that I'm a little older and wiser, I can certainly see why, and am delighted to be an observer of these changes. Especially to witness something as important as the graduation ceremony. Congratulations to all involved, and good luck!