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BAKER LAKE - In response to a letter from a resident, a member of the Nunavut Impact Review Board is making it clear he is in no conflict of interest when it comes to issues the board deals with.

Glenn McLean of Baker Lake served for one year on the board before being reappointed to another three-year term this past February.

The board's mandate is to assess projects in Nunavut to ensure they protect the ecosystem, wildlife habitat, Inuit harvesting activities, socio-economic impacts and other public concerns in accordance with the Nunavut Land Claim Agreement.

McLean felt the need to set the record straight when he became aware of a letter sent to the board and Northern Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl by Baker resident Joan Scottie.

The letter stated the board deals with applications from companies exploring and planning to develop mines in Nunavut.

This, Scottie wrote, is in direct conflict with McLean's standing in the industry, with a major chunk of his income resulting from business interests with the various mining companies that operate in the Kivalliq.

McLean said if anyone wants to be on the board, they should forward a resume the same way he did.

He said there's no way anyone complaining will prompt him to give up his seat.

"I've been in Nunavut since I was 18 and one of the reasons I've stayed for 38 years is that most people here accept you for who you are, not whether you're a beneficiary," said McLean.

"That's why I love Nunavut and why I'll always live and do business here."

McLean said some people may think he's in a conflict of interest because he's an aggressive businessman.

But, he said, he doesn't let his business interests influence his decision-making as a board member.

"If I feel like I'm in a conflict of interest on any matter, I ask to be excused.

"It's a transparent process and if I was in conflict on any topic, board staff would find out right away.

"The only reason this is surfacing now is because Areva Resources is trying to get permitting and I do work for them building core boxes.

"I declare a conflict of interest on any Areva issue."

McLean said some people don't like it when a person with business interests sits on a board or is elected to hamlet council or as an MLA.

"These people should get their information correct before they make accusations.

"But, on the other hand, when you're elected or appointed to a position in this territory, you're open for criticism and if you can't take it, you shouldn't be there."