Territory's strengths highlighted in talks
Politicians discuss challenges industry still faces at symposium
Stewart Burnett
Northern News Services
Monday, April 11, 2016
IQALUIT
A flurry of activity - a literal one with the mid-week blizzard - at the Frobisher Inn April 4 to 7 saw delegates from every company, government department and organization involved with mining in the territory gather to network and discuss the industry's current state.
Patricia Mohr, The Scotiabank Group's vice-president, economic and commodity specialist, gave a cautiously optimistic outlook for mining in Nunavut. She emphasized the importance of Baffinland's Mary River iron ore project. - Stewart Burnett/NNSL photo |
Panel discussions were well attended, filling up both Astro theatres during the day, while the trade show remained busy for delegates all week.
Unfortunately, a blizzard on April 6 cancelled the public's opportunity to visit the trade show and limited the cultural performances that were scheduled to take place.
Patricia Mohr, the Scotiabank Group's vice-president, economic and commodity specialist, gave the week's keynote presentation on commodity prices' history and future.
She talked up the iron ore quality at Baffinland Iron Mines' Mary River project.
"The project is going ahead because of very rich iron ore," she said toward the end of her hour-long presentation April 5.
"Now, I urge you all as Nunavummiut to do what you can to ensure that that project is reasonably cost competitive. I know there are environmental issues, which are very important, in Milne Inlet and Pond Inlet. You have to protect the environment, but try to make sure that you can keep that project going, because in the end it will create some great value-added for the people of Nunavut."
She added, with a round of laughter from the audience, that she's also hopeful the project goes ahead because Scotiabank is involved in its financing.
Economic Development and Transportation Minister Monica Ell-Kanayuk used her one public appearance at the symposium to emphasize that the Government of Nunavut supports and encourages responsible resource development.
"Many Nunavummiut continue to live a rich and fulfilling life within a traditional economy and I am confident that mining and mineral exploration can coexist with wildlife and traditional economy. We understand that the mining industry offers Nunavummiut with unique training programs that would otherwise be inaccessible."
The industry also plays a major role in much-needed infrastructure development across the territory, she said.
"We must continue to find ways to ensure that mining is compatible with other aspects of our lives that are important to us and our families," said Ell-Kanayuk. "Balancing our investment will be vital to the success of our territory."
Nunavut Senator Dennis Patterson gave a speech on navigating the regulatory regime in the territory and spared no words for those he saw interfering with that process.
"In Nunavut, the foreign-funded environmental lobby has the power to build fear and public anxiety about projects and activities," he said. "This has had devastating effects on other sectors in Nunavut, most notably the sealing industry, and it is important in my view that the lobby must not be permitted to also devastate the mining and exploration sector."
His next target was politicians, admitting he is one of them himself.
"I do feel strongly that it is entirely inappropriate for governments and political leaders to take public positions on regulatory issues which are before regulatory courts," said Patterson. "Respect the regulatory regime and the land claims agreement. We need to have faith in the system that was built with great difficulty in negotiations over 30 years."
He applauded Premier Peter Taptuna on that point when the premier spoke against a blanket restriction on any developments on calving or post-calving grounds for caribou.
The third target of Patterson's scrutiny was the "ignorant media."
"The media's willingness to feature stories that feed into the fear and anxiety surrounding a project proposal undermine the regulatory system as well," he said.
He pointed to recent media reports "fuelling the hysteria over caribou calving grounds" as a good example of that.
"We worked for over 30 years to give Inuit a voice in dealing with these sensitive issues through the Nunavut Impact Review Board, the Nunavut Wildlife Management board and the planning process. We must recognize this and let them do their jobs."
