Nunavik A Homeland in Transition

An Environmental and Social Evaluation of Northern Development The Kativik Environmental Quality Commission, 1979-2009

Nunavik A Homeland in Transition

An Environmental and Social Evaluation of Northern Development The Kativik Environmental Quality Commission, 1979-2009 NUNAVIK: A HOMELAND IN TRANSITION

Text: Peter Jacobs, Daniel Berrouard and Mireille Paul Languages: Eli Aullaluk, Daniel Berrouard, Mireille Paul and Blossom Thom Graphics: Scott Heyes Photo credits: All photos by Scott Heyes except pages: 14, 18-20, 27-28, 43 (bottom left), 49-50 & 53 (top left & mid. right) (Édith van de Walle); 44 (bottom left) & 45 (Brian McDonald); and 53 (bottom photos) (Michael O’Neill)

Dépot legal: Bibliothèque et Archives Nationale du Québec, 2009 Library and Archives Canada, 2009 ISBN 0 - 9812774

© 2009 Kativik Environmental Quality Commission C.P. 930 Kuujjuaq QC J0M 1C0 http://keqc-cqek.krg.ca Contents

Preface...... 5 Introduction ...... 7 A Necklace of Villages ...... 11 The New Village of Umiujaq Community Infrastructure Potable water and Waste Water Management Energy Waste Disposal Quarries and Borrow Pits Future Trends Developing the Resources of the North ...... 23 Hydroelectricity Mining Development Raglan Mine Operation The Nunavik Nickel Project Transportation Airport Infrastructure Marine Infrastructure Roads Future Trends Developing and Conserving the Landscape ...... 37 Commercial Harvesting of Caribou Managing Natural Resources Designating a Network of Northern Parks Building a Base for Tourism Future Trends Nunavik: A Homeland in Transition ...... 47

Commission Membership and Website...... 50

3 Collection: Scott Heyes Preface

This report on the activities of the Kativik Environmental Quality Commission (KEQC) from 1979 to 2009 is addressed to the residents of Nunavik, to promoters who seek to develop projects in the villages or across the homeland of Nunavik, and to all those interested in the evolution of development in the North. The report offers a retrospective view of our collective experience and a prospective view of some of the significant challenges that the Commission may face in the future.

The Kativik Environmental Quality Commission was established 30 years ago to review the environmental and social impacts of development projects proposed for the area north of the 55th parallel in Quebec. It is a permanent body pursuant to the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement whose activities are further defined in the second chapter of the Government of Quebec’s Loi sur la qualité de l’environnement.

Our mission is to assure that development proposals are consistent with best professional practice, respond to the needs of the community and respect the cultural and natural heritage of Nunavik. The Commission is composed of an equal number of members appointed by the Kativik Regional Government and the Government of Quebec to assure that a broad range of expertise and cultural background informs our decisions.

Peter Jacobs Chair, KEQC

5 Inukshuk near Kangiqsualujjuaq

6 Introduction

The Kativik Environmental Quality impacts of development projects social and environmental aspects Commission (KEQC) began proposed within the boundaries of development proposals, once operating 30 years ago in 1979. of Nunavik, Quebec. It decides approved, the responsibility Since then, the social, economic, whether a proposed development to monitor and control the and political development of project should be approved and, implementation and ongoing Nunavik has evolved in many if so, under which conditions. life of these projects rests with significant ways. The growth The decisions of the Commission the Ministry of Sustainable of villages, transportation frequently require the promoter Development, Environment, and infrastructure, and the use of the to forward ongoing information Parks in partnership with the Kativik land as a source of energy and related to social and environmental Regional Government, municipal minerals--alongside the traditional monitoring and control. In this councils, and land holding uses of hunting, fishing, and way, the Commission is aware of corporations throughout Nunavik. trapping--has expanded many fold. any changes in the magnitude Climate change, energy and mineral of the predicted impacts of a The wide variety of projects that development, population growth, project, as well as those that the Commission has been asked to and the evolving social dynamic of may not have been foreseen review have included the proposal Nunavik pose important challenges during initial project analysis. to extend hydroelectric generation to the Commission’s future work. This feedback contributes to an to the Great Whale, the Little enriched memory, understanding, Great Whale, and the Nastapoka The mandate of the Commission and knowledge base, all of great watersheds, at the beginning of our is clearly defined in Chapter value to the Commission in its mandate, to more recent proposals 2 of the Loi sur la qualité de evaluation of new projects of to develop the mineral wealth l’environnement and in Section 23 the same, or similar, nature. of the North and to establish a of the James Bay and Northern network of parks across Nunavik. Quebec Agreement, as well as Helping to ensure the viable Projects related to the growth of in certain sections of Chapter development of Nunavik is a critical Inuit villages and the associated 14 of the North-East Quebec responsibility. Fortunately, it is marine, air, and land infrastructure Convention. The Commission shared with a number of partners. required to support this growth is responsible for the review of While the Kativik Environmental are submitted to the Commission the social and environmental Quality Commission reviews the on an ongoing basis. Sustainable

7 use of the natural resources of continuing changes in the climate In addressing its mandate, the the area, particularly with respect patterns of the North, the impact Commission has functioned as a to the commercial harvesting of of population growth and the team, sharing responsibilities for caribou herds, have challenged provision of health and education the review of proposed projects the Commission in reconciling services on the social structure based on mutual respect of the ongoing traditional uses of the of northern communities, and range of expertise represented land and coastal resources with the impact of the accelerating by its members. The Commission the evaluation of new resource- prospecting for natural, mineral, has operated in a flexible manner based commercial harvesting. and energy resources that to acquire information from the are found in Nunavik. The people most directly affected by Nunavik has grown significantly transition from a predominately proposed development in Nunavik. over the last 30 years. In the next subsistence economy to one By encouraging the free exchange 20 to 30 years at least three major based on the flow of money of opinions, and anticipating forces, among other influences, continues apace and, with it, the the links between the projects will impact the life style, social ability to sustain the storehouse submitted to the Commission structure, economic opportunities, of traditional knowledge has and their potential impacts on and political organization of emerged as a critical challenge. the people and the landscape of Nunavik. These are the impact of the region, our decisions have

8 been informed and strengthened meet these changes. Wherever Above all, sharing information by various forms of public possible, the Commission has and insights (derived from the consultation. These collaborations encouraged extending the scope varied backgrounds and cultures) have enriched our understanding of environmental review to of the Commission’s members, and appreciation of the social and include the larger spatial context of the project proponents, environmental impacts of projects and the long-term effects of and of the communities and subject to the Commission’s review. project proposals. In the future, individuals most directly affected the use of strategic planning by development proposals In the future, we will be challenged tools--to review Nunavik-wide has ensured an atmosphere of by issues such as how the Inuit development proposals, such continuous and mutual learning. of Nunavik will balance local as in the mining sector--should This sharing, more than any of values and needs with global be carefully considered. The the rules and regulations of the development forces, how the integration of life cycle assessment environmental review process, social and physical environment with the environmental impact supports the common goal of Nunavik will change, and assessment process would help of achieving viable long-term how the environmental impact to increase our understanding development throughout Nunavik. assessment process and the of the long-term justification activities of the Commission will of projects in the North.

9 Map of Nunavik by Scott Heyes 2005©

10 A Necklace of Villages

Fourteen villages dot the coastline were used for domestic waste infrastructure and to provide of Ungava and Hudson bays in and then deposited in dumpsites municipal services have been Northern Quebec, widely spaced that included all manner of instituted, and a wide range of pearls on the coastal necklace waste materials. Many of these modern schools, sports facilities, of Nunavik. In the 30 years of dump sites are the source for and municipal buildings support the Commission’s work, the recycled machine parts and a much improved housing stock. environmental quality of these building materials, satirically Recently, municipal roads have villages has improved remarkably, referred to as the northern been paved, sheltered docks and particularly the addition of equivalent of Canadian Tire. loading sites installed, power public service infrastructure has Water treatment facilities, air, plants improved, and water improved the living conditions road, and water infrastructure and waste treatment facilities for all who inhabit Nunavik. were modest and have undergone upgraded or completely redesigned remarkable improvements to accommodate the growing In 1979, at the very beginning over the years, as have housing number of residential, commercial, of the Commission’s work, the and community facilities. service, and industrial activities in smallest villages in Nunavik Nunavik. All of the early villages numbered less than two hundred Thirty years after the Commission of Northern Quebec have been people and the largest, Kuujjuaq, started its work, the population transformed over the past 30 had a population of barely a of all the villages in Nunavik has years in response to legitimate thousand. Municipal services increased significantly and many demands for modern and viable and infrastructure were viable have doubled. Integrated programs villages throughout Nunavik. but rudimentary. Honey bags to improve transportation

11 From the beginning of its mandate, reviewed within a longer range encouraged the collaborative the Commission adopted the and more comprehensive context exchange of information and position that approval for municipal to assure that a proposed project expertise between villages and projects would have to be justified would not be in conflict with the Kativik Regional Government, with respect to the entire network existing or future development. allowing both to learn from and to of service or infrastructure The Commission’s mandate, with improve projects throughout the facilities in each of the villages. respect to the development of network of villages in Nunavik. Individual improvements were environmental impact statements,

12 A view of the coastline where the village of Umiujaq was built The New Village of Umiujaq

Perhaps the most comprehensive members of the Inuit community storage facility in the centre of review of village development in and one member selected from the the new town in close proximity Nunavik occurred at an early stage Government of Quebec would be to the school, and the protection of the Commission’s work with the responsible for all aspects of the of the coastal dune complex that review of the proposal for a new planned move as well as managing stretched between the shore and town, Umiujaq, on the Hudson Bay the project budget. The steering the bulk of the proposed housing. coast just north of Kuujjuaraapik. committee was considered the A number of adjustments were promoter of the project and was made to the plan of the village The James Bay and Northern responsible for the relocation and and in May 1985 the Commission Quebec Agreement included a development of the new town approved the plan and location of provision for the possible relocation according to the stipulations Umiujaq subject to a number of of a number of Inuit residing in contained in the agreement. conditions related to the ongoing Kuujjuaraapik to a location in the monitoring of municipal services. vicinity of Richmond Gulf. On In 1983, the Commission November 2, 1982, the entire developed a set of guidelines The village of Umiujaq was finally Inuit population of Kuujjuaraapik for an environmental and social inaugurated in December 1986 voted on the option of moving to impact statement associated and incorporated as a northern a new location, and a significant with the project, and in June village in 1987. As the village number agreed to do so, while 1984 the Commission received a expanded over time, numerous others decided to remain in proposed master plan for the new building projects as well as the Kuujjuaraapik. Approximately 15 village. This was one of the first provision of municipal services months later, on February 22, environmental and social impact and transportation infrastructure 1984, the agreement to establish reviews of a new town proposal have been submitted for the the new town of Umiujaq was in Quebec. The Commission’s Commission’s approval. Umiujaq is ratified and approximately one review focused on the availability now an integral part of the necklace third of the Kuujjuaraapikmiut and distribution of water in of coastal villages in Nunavik. moved to the new village location. reasonable proximity to the site, Prospects for its future include The agreement stipulated that the location of a viable airstrip, the proposal for a very large park a steering committee of three the proposed location of a fuel immediately adjacent to the village.

13 Community Infrastructure

The 14 northern villages in Nunavik services and with some idea approving expansion of the existing have expanded in a number of of the future direction of waste sites. The findings of that significant ways over the last 30 community development. A study helped the Commission to years. The land area occupied by particularly important example formulate reasonable conditions the villages has grown substantially centers on the urgent need to associated with future waste as has the network of roads. expand the land dedicated to disposal sites. As well, the study Municipal roads now reach out waste disposal sites. Currently, methodology developed by the across the land to service new significant and increasingly Kativik Regional Government will locations for waste disposal important quantities of waste be useful for future sites in other sites, water and waste treatment are generated by commercial, communities throughout the North. plants, and new maritime docking residential, and industrial activities facilities that, in some cases, are as well as a growing number of Similarly, the need for increased located a number of kilometres building projects in almost all energy in many of the villages, from the village centres. Many of of the northern villages. As a including the search for alternate the municipal roads located in the consequence, when a series of energy sources, is a logical centre of the villages have now new requests were forwarded to extension of the growth and been paved, significantly reducing the Commission to substantially development of the North. The dust levels in residential areas. increase the size of new waste Commission has attempted to help disposal sites, the Commission find solutions to reducing both Numerous municipal projects requested that the Kativik Regional waste and energy demand in the have been reviewed, modified, Government undertake a strategic way it has formulated its directives and approved by the Commission, planning study of the future and framed the conditions with particular attention paid wastes of Kuujjuaq, including associated with its decisions. to the need to coordinate these possible strategies to recycle or projects with other municipal reduce those wastes, prior to

14 Potable water and waste water management

The provision of potable water and been installed at Katiniq on the Nunavik has made it possible for systems of waste water treatment Deception River to supply water the municipalities of Kuujjuaraapik– for the villages of Nunavik was to the Raglan mine facilities. Whapmagoostui to construct an one of the first sets of municipal underground system that connects infrastructure projects to be In general, water supply systems the buildings in these communities assessed by the Commission. In comprise a permanent water intake to a municipal reservoir. the early 1980s, the situation with point (river or lake), a pumping respect to these issues was, to station, a water reservoir and a When the negative impacts on the say the least, problematic. The distribution station. An aqueduct, natural and social environments of bacteriological quality of potable usually above ground, is used to communities and the surrounding water delivered to residents in convey water to a reservoir during natural areas are minimal, and the North was variable and the the summer months where it is the purpose of such projects management of waste water treated with chlorine before being is to improve the quality and somewhat marginal given the use distributed by tank truck to local distribution of drinking water in the of honey bags at the time. New buildings. These reservoirs must, communities, the Commission has systems to supply and dispose of of course, have sufficient storage exempted all water supply projects water were constructed in most capacity to last through the winter from the environmental and social communities between 1987 and season. The system is designed impact assessment and review 1993. Today, all of the region’s to meet a daily water demand procedure, focusing instead on communities possess reliable of roughly 120 litres per person. comments designed to improve the drinking water supply systems, Exceptionally, the discontinuous proposals and to assure that they and an additional system has permafrost in the southern part of will be viable long into the future.

15 Over the past decades, the In its assessments, the Commission Commission has not required studied the ability of the earth elaborate impact studies for banks to resist severe northern the construction of waste water climate conditions, the location treatment systems in most of the of effluent discharge points, and villages of Nunavik. In each case, the sites selected for the lagoons the project proponent (the Kativik relative to existing buildings Regional Government) selected and future development. The simple easy-to-maintain treatment Commission also ascertained systems. In the few projects where that the effluent discharge points the Commission required an impact would not jeopardize community study, either there was a need to activities that existed or were validate the technology proposed proposed for nearby sites. or the proposal exceeded the criteria specified in the Loi sur la qualité de l’environnement. The use of non-aerated lagoons with earth banks that, according to the size of the community and its expected growth, are capable of holding at least 300 days of waste water seems particularly well adapted to the North.

16 Energy

In Nunavik, diesel-fired power by wind turbines. The promoter Approximately 20 projects have generating plants produce the was also asked to explore soil been submitted to the Commission electricity needed in each of the decontamination processes better to expand or relocate fuel tank northern villages. The aging state adapted to northern conditions and farms in Nunavik communities. of this equipment necessitated, to improve the way that used oil The Commission ensures that the and will continue to necessitate, can be used as an energy source. safety of residents and property replacing or upgrading energy is protected, and that the new production. While projects less Each Nunavik village includes a fuel sites would not interfere with than 3 megawatts are not subject tank farm that is refilled annually future community development. to environmental assessment during the summer sealift. The review, larger projects, such as a tank farms must be able to hold thermal generating plant proposed sufficient fuel for each community for Kuujjuaq in 2008, are eligible. (heating and transportation) for an entire year. Projects related to In the recent case of Kuujjuaq, the storage of petroleum products the Commission verified that the and to the decontamination proposed plant would reduce the of storage sites have been current level of noise generated submitted to the Commission by the old plant, and asked the by each of the northern villages promoter, Hydro-Québec, to in Nunavik. For the most part, explore alternate energy sources the project proponent has been in the coming years, with specific the Federation of Northern reference to energy produced Cooperatives or Hydro-Québec.

17 Waste Disposal

As with the case of potable water responsible for waste management either stored or disposed of in an supply, waste disposal sites will, in the future, have to direct acceptable manner. In addition to were among the first municipal more energy on developing the clean up of existing sites, one infrastructure projects to be recycling as a way to alleviate of the Commission’s concerns was assessed by the Commission. By the use of waste disposal sites. to ensure progressive rehabilitation 1994, all Nunavik communities and restoration while activities had developed such sites. Since In 1999, the Kativik Regional were still underway. Given the the mid-1990s, however, many Government submitted a project number of abandoned mining communities have had to expand to clean up buildings and other and mineral exploration sites, or relocate their local waste abandoned facilities at 42 sites the Mining Act was amended in disposal sites in response to of the mid-Canada line, scattered 1995 to require companies with increased waste production. In over 900 kilometres along the mining rights to progressively the context of local population 55th parallel. All barrels and other restore their exploration sites. growth, the administrative bodies debris littering the sites were

18 Quarries and Borrow Pits

The operation of borrow pits Pits continue to be heavily exposing communities to noise are frequently associated with exploited for the construction of pollution from rock blasting as well the construction of municipal roads and marine infrastructure. as the dangers associated with and regional roads or with the The Commission is reviewing the transportation of quarried roads required for hydroelectric several new project proposals material on village roads. The and mining operations. The to supply materials for road and Commission has also expressed relative rarity of locally available airport runway maintenance. its concern that the quarry sites materials and the difficulty of are properly secured against managing their exploitation Nonetheless, it is worth noting accidents during and after quarry necessitates careful review. that the Commission has favored development and exploitation. Even though previous efforts the continued use and even the have been made by promoters expansion of existing sand and in conjunction with university stone quarries that have been experts to develop strategies used in the past rather than for the renaturalization of these authorizing new sites, particularly projects, we are forced to conclude in proximity to village sites. that traces of these operations Assurances that old sites will be will likely last indefinitely. used, and given certain conditions, these projects have been exempt In the 1980s and 1990s, the from the environmental and social Ministry of Transportation operated impact assessment and review borrow pits for the construction of procedure. The Commission has airstrips in Nunavik’s communities. expressed its concern about

19 Future Trends

The current level of municipal It is something of a paradox that services and transportation municipal infrastructures are infrastructure are critical somewhat squeezed for space components required to support in an area as vast as Nunavik. the current level of village Relatively small villages are located development in Nunavik. The with good access to the rivers and next generation of development, the sea, but throughout Nunavik, however, will require even more the land available for building is services and infrastructure that limited by the shape of the terrain, are oriented to regionally based the exposure to winds, and the development as much as to the stability of the land. Technologies growth and development of existing adapted to northern climates villages. Mining development, in and building conditions will need particular, will require expanded to focus on the most efficient air, road and marine support as and effective means of providing well as the provision of significant simple and economic solutions for water and energy sources and a network of basic services. The waste treatment facilities. The Commission will continue to view network of parks and other tourist these services within an integrated activities in Nunavik will also require planning format within and across expanded transportation facilities, the complex of villages in Nunavik. as will future projects related to the harvesting of natural resources.

20 21 22 Developing the Resources of the North

The mandate of the Commission The Cape Smith Belt in Nunavik Agreements concluded between includes the need to ensure contains rich mineral deposits Makivik Corporation, affected that the natural and cultural that stretch diagonally across villages, and project proponents components of regional the peninsula, from the northern have resulted in establishing development, as well as the reaches of Hudson Bay to the conditions that ensure viable equitable distribution of the more southerly reaches of Ungava training, employment, and associated risks and benefits Bay. Significant networks of financial compensation, both derived from these developments, rivers and lakes drain the rolling in the immediate vicinity of the are evaluated with respect to both terrain of the Ungava peninsula, projects and for the region as western scientific and traditional providing potentially attractive a whole. The Commission has Inuit knowledge systems. sources of hydroelectricity. insisted on reviewing projects over The windswept coastline also the long term and within both a The demand for minerals is largely offers the promise of additional local and regional perspective, generated by global demand, supplies of alternative energy. relying as well on a substantial whereas significant demand for set of mining legislation and energy is generated from the The Kativik Regional Government regulations in Quebec. urban and industrial regions of plays an active role in evaluating southern Canada. In both cases, the consequences of proposed Hydroelectric projects have yet the environmental and social mining projects on overall regional to be approved for development risks tend to reside locally, in planning and environmental in Nunavik. On two different Nunavik, while the increasingly management in Nunavik. occasions, however, hydroelectric significant economic benefits tend projects to develop the Great to reside outside of the region. Whale, the Little Whale, and

23 the Nastapoka watersheds were Commission rendering its decision. access infrastructure (roads, submitted to the Commission More recently, the Sanarrutik airstrips, and docking facilities) in by Hydro-Québec. Both Agreement has identified a the region. The Kativik Regional submissions consumed significant number of northern rivers that Government and other advisory time and energy during the have hydroelectric potential, but bodies in the region share the numerous months devoted to these will only be developed after Commission’s concerns in this their environmental and social environmental and social impact regard. The consistent development assessment. Public hearings assessments as specified in the of access infrastructure in Nunavik, were held in both northern and law and in the James Bay and and their status as private or southern locations, and a number Northern Quebec Agreement. public facilities, is an issue of of principles and methodologies continuing and critical concern. derived from these assessments Perhaps the most significant continue to guide the Commission’s regional planning issue related to work. In both cases, the projects mining and energy development in were withdrawn prior to the Nunavik is the need for appropriate

24 Hydroelectricity

In the 1970s, Hydro-Québec In 1990, an application for a avoid the duplication of tasks initiated the Great Whale separate certificate of authorization within the various committees hydroelectric project. The project, was submitted for all access and commissions concerned while which was submitted to the infrastructure (roads and airports) ensuring that each body remained Commission for the first time in under the project. This application independent in its initiatives and 1979, called for the construction raised concerns that dams, assessments. The memorandum of three generating stations, GB 1, roads, and airports might be was countersigned by the chairs GB 2 and GB 3, with an installed constructed in the region even of the Commission and the four capacity of 3,200 megawatts and if the hydroelectric project did other review committees. a total annual output of 16.2 not receive approval. In August terawatts per hour. The complex 1991, the Government of Quebec The Great Whale Public Review was to be located along the Great agreed that the transportation Support Office was created to assist Whale River, east of the village infrastructure and the hydroelectric the committees and commissions of Kuujjuaraapik. It would have complex should be jointly assessed. in developing a harmonized set also required the construction of of directives, holding joint public approximately 575 kilometres of On January 23, 1992, the hearings during the winter of access roads. Due to unfavorable Governments of Canada and 1992, and then examining the economic conditions caused Quebec, the Cree Regional conformity of the directives and by reduced energy demand, Authority, the Makivik Corporation, the environmental impact study. the Government of Quebec the Kativik Regional Government, The Commission was particularly withdrew the project in 1982. and the Grand Council of the Crees concerned with the project’s of Quebec signed a memorandum environmental impacts on beluga In early 1989, Hydro-Québec to harmonize the environmental and fresh-water seal populations, reactivated the Great Whale and social impact assessment and the potential loss of caribou hydroelectric project, submitting review procedures for the Great habitat, and the social impacts of an application for authorization Whale hydroelectric project. The potential changes to the traditional to the Ministry of Environment. memorandum was designed to

25 way of life as a result of increased attractive for the development of access to Nunavik from the south. hydroelectricity in the future.

On December 14, 1994, the It would be imprudent to assume Government of Quebec directed that the coastal waters, rivers, the various committees and and lakes of Nunavik will remain commissions to suspend all unharnessed as sources of energy. assessment and review activities The demand for energy in the involving the Great Whale North has grown substantially, hydroelectric project, consistent but is still met with traditional with Hydro-Québec’s request to supplies of petroleum from the await the outcome of a national South. It is not clear how rising energy debate being planned by prices and falling supplies of the Government of Quebec early petroleum products might effect in 1995. Shortly thereafter the the energy budget in Nunavik, proposed project was withdrawn. nor how these forces will operate to support the development of No other hydroelectric projects have previously submitted hydroelectric been submitted to the Commission projects or new and alternative since this period. Nonetheless, energy sources in the future. the proposed boundary of the Tursujuq Park suggests that the Nastapoka River and the watersheds of the Little Whale and the Great Whale rivers remain

26 Mining Development

Raglan Mine Operation

Following the discovery of both currently the only operating mine Mining this vast deposit poses copper and nickel by Murray in Nunavik. The mining site, a vast several natural and social Watts in 1937, a number of complex that is fully equipped to environmental challenges that mining companies initiated produce nickel concentrate, features the Commission has studied mineral exploration for platinum, the main underground mine, open since the submission of the palladium, nickel, copper and pits, several waste-rock piles and ore preliminary project in 1991. The diamonds. Mining exploration pads, a mill, a mine tailings disposal Commission has raised several intensified in the 1990s and has site, a concentrator, a mine effluent concerns, particularly about been particularly active in the treatment facility, and a residence the sustained quality of surface last five years. The Commission complex. The complex includes a water related to ongoing and has reviewed a number of diesel-powered generating plant, a increasing mining activities, the mining exploration projects water supply reservoir that draws management of tailing sites, and and two mining development water from the Deception River, a the impact of the economic benefit projects, one of which is now domestic wastewater treatment agreement on the social health shaping both the landscape and plant, a drinking water distribution and structure of nearby villages. surrounding communities. Salluit system, a solid waste disposal and Kangiqsujuaq are particularly site, a waste incinerator, as well The initial project was authorized involved in addition to ongoing as borrow pits and quarries. It in 1995 and was amended in 1996, exploration projects to the east should be noted that an airport, 1997, 2003 and 2007 in order to and south of Kangiqsualujjuaq. at the Donaldson site, and port add, among other issues, three facilities and a nickel-concentrate new mining zones. To ensure safety, The Raglan mine, operated by the storage facility, at Deception Bay, the Commission also approved the Société Minière Ragland Ltd., under are connected to the mining site project to reconstruct the wharf the ownership of Xstrata Nickel, is by 150 kilometres of road. at Deception Bay, which may meet

27 the long-term needs of future the Puvirnituq River watershed so mining projects in the region. that contaminants headed toward water bodies south of the mine Given the scope of this project could be quantified. The monitoring and the possibility of acid drainage program ensures that the quality from waste rock and tailings of the water in the Deception produced by the concentrator, the River will continue to support the Commission analyzed each facet of fish populations that live there. the project to determine whether adequate mitigation measures Special attention was paid to were planned and to ensure that road and marine infrastructure proper monitoring was conducted in the region, leading to several with respect to all possible areas of restrictions concerning the contamination. The Commission’s restoration of Inuit snowmobile preoccupation with the possible trails after the passage of effects of climate change on the icebreakers in Deception Bay. All management of mining residues shipping in the Bay was restricted remains and is reflected in its during the seal calving period. questions on this particular aspect of new mining proposals as they The Ragland Agreement, signed are submitted to the Commission. by the project proponent, the Makivik Corporation, and the To mitigate the impact of mine nearby communities of Salluit effluent on surface water, the and Kangiqsujuaq, formalized project proponent was instructed local involvement in the project. to gear environmental release Citing the social impact of such objectives to the capacity of a large-scale mining project on the Deception River. The close the nearby Inuit communities, proximity of the Pingaluk Lake the Commission further required within the Parc national des the project proponent to Pingualuit indicated the need conduct information outreach for a comprehensive monitoring activities in the communities program to ensure that dust and and to develop employment other air born particles did not skills in the Inuit labour force. pollute the pure water of the crater. The initial monitoring program was revised in 2002, strengthening air quality testing in the direction of

28 The Nunavik Nickel Project

A second mining project to develop consequences of the proposed and salaried employment that ore bodies, directly to the south Nunavik Nickel project. continues to evolve in Nunavik of the Raglan mine site, was is one of a number of issues submitted to the Commission The most important strategic that the Commission will be in 2003. Once again, the project condition associated with the monitoring in the future. was designed to extract and authorization of the project process nickel deposits whose was related to the possible The advent of a second mining potential impacts would affect multiplication of transportation project, Nunavik Nickel, both the Puvirnituq and Deception infrastructure in the region. The immediately to the south of the watersheds. The Commission held Commission declined to authorize Xstrata-Ragland Mine property, and public hearings in the communities the construction of a new airport immediately north of the first Parc of Puvirnituq, Kangiqsujuaq, and in the immediate vicinity of one National in Nunavik, highlights the Salluit, and following an extensive already operated by Xstrata Nickel. need to be prudent with respect analysis of the potential social and to regional planning issues. The environmental impacts, decided The Commission realizes that these Canadian Royalties property is to authorize the proposed project mining projects have enriched the close to the Pingaluit Crater, filled subject to a number of technical proximate Inuit communities, and with water that is unique in the conditions. The lessons learned that they will continue to do so. world. In this particular instance, from the Raglan mining project They have, as well, contributed to global demand for mineral and were very helpful in clarifying changes in traditional harvesting metal resources is confronted potential issues related to both activities and the social fabric with the equally important need the social and environmental of the villages. The dynamic to conserve a natural heritage balance of traditional activities site of global significance.

29 Transportation

Airport Infrastructure

On September 27, 1983, the and 30 metres wide, except Governments of Canada and for the community of Kuujjuaq Quebec signed a comprehensive that has a paved airstrip. agreement leading to the creation of the Northern Airport During its assessment, the Infrastructure Improvement Commission focussed on the Program. Under the terms of smooth integration of each airport the agreement, the provincial into the local community by government covered 40% of encouraging airstrip orientations the budget and the federal that diverted air traffic away from government, 60%. The project the communities. In addition to proponent was the Quebec the airstrips, each airport includes Ministry of Transportation. The one or several access roads and project resulted in the construction several buildings for maintenance, of airport infrastructure in freight and passengers. Recent Nunavik’s 14 communities between plans to extend and pave the 1984 and 1991. The new airstrips airstrip in the community of and other infrastructure have Puvirnituq were approved in 2008. improved services for passenger and security for users, pilots, and equipment. Today, all the communities have a gravel airstrip that is 1,066 metres long

30 Marine Infrastructure

The Inuit way of life has always and (2) facilitate the sealift of II to improve sealift facilities. At revolved around the sea, which general supplies to the villages. the conclusion of both phases, has sustained communities. All This was equally true of provincial each local infrastructure will of the projects submitted to the programs developing airstrips and feature a basin encompassed by a Commission regarding marine marine infrastructure across all the breakwater and floating wharves infrastructure construction villages in Nunavik. Lessons from for docking and unloading. follow out Paragraph 29.0.36 one village project were used to There will also be a launching of the James Bay and Northern better design projects for the next. ramp, equipped with bollards, Quebec Agreement. This provision In this sense, the environmental and a beach. On land, there will stipulates that the Governments of evaluation process was expanded be service buildings, storage Canada and Quebec, in accordance to include an informal, but areas for cargo and watercraft, with available funds, would study effective, planning component. as well as an access road. the feasibility of public wharves, navigational aids, and docking The Marine Infrastructure Program The Makivik Corporation, facilities in each community was established in compliance the project proponent, first and then proceed with their with these objectives. However, submitted applications to the construction. The subsequent because the total funding received Commission for the communities Marine Infrastructure Program was insufficient to build and of Kangiqsualujjuaq and Quaqtaq. responded to two main objectives: maintain the planned facilities in These applications were (1) enable Inuit to continue their all 14 Inuit communities, it was authorized in 1999 and 2000, subsistence hunting and fishing, decided to divide each project respectively. From 1999 to 2005, as well as to carry out touristic into two phases: Phase I to the Commission has reviewed and commercial fishing activities, improve water access and Phase ten projects which have all been

31 completed according to the Phase cases, public hearings were held 1 objectives. In many cases public to gain a better understanding hearings were held in the affected of the needs and expectations communities to acquire a better of Inuit residents. A monitoring understanding of the needs and program for these projects focuses expectations of the Inuit residents. on user satisfaction, the long- term viability of the installations, In Ungava Bay, extreme tides and their effectiveness as a limit access to the sea and make shelter from sea storms with navigation and docking difficult, not specific reference to erosion, sand to mention creating waves. Given accumulation around and the the importance of access for Inuit effect of ice on breakwaters. The communities who traditionally use maritime infrastructure project the sea for hunting and fishing, the may well provide a good example Commission studied the physical of the need to supplement and social conditions particular the traditional case-by-case to each site. The applications environmental impact assessment submitted raised technical process in the North, with a more questions concerning the location strategic, overall assessment and dimensions of the proposed of the proposed program. facilities, dock access and tides, quarries, access roads, and ongoing maintenance. In a number of

32 Roads

The development of a road network driving conditions. Second, the to permit the shipment of ore to in Nunavik has been propelled by development of road networks has smelters outside the region. two needs. First, roads have been been closely tied to mining activities constructed in and around villages in Nunavik. Over the past few All these networks, especially to link municipal infrastructure. decades, various companies have mining roads, traverse a large Originally covered with gravel, constructed roads at their mine number of fragile ecosystems these roads are now being paved in sites, beginning with basic roads such as peat bogs and rivers. many Nunavik communities using during exploration phases that are When assessing these kinds of temporary asphalt plants installed later upgraded to handle trucks projects, the Commission is careful to produce paving materials. The carrying ore during the production to recommend routes that will new road surfaces limit the dust phase. In addition, roads linking have the fewest environmental generated in summer by vehicle the mine sites to the villages and impacts and to suggest measures traffic and help create safer storage facilities are necessary to limit negative effects.

33 Future Trends

Since the 1990s, the surfaces of to impact the permafrost layer disposal sites and municipal docks airstrips have been shifting as a beneath the extensive network of at increasingly large distances result of climate change. Several services, including municipal and from the village centers. An studies conducted by the Northern regional roads, will also require extensive network of regional Studies Centre of the Université careful monitoring in the future. roads has begun near mining sites, Laval have demonstrated that the protected areas, and hunting sites permafrost under the airstrips is The growth of air and water in close proximity to a number melting, causing sections of the access to Nunavik, and the of villages. Many of these roads airstrips to sink. It is anticipated expanding network of land-based were evaluated as part of larger that the Ministry of Transportation, transportation across the region, project proposals. The cumulative which is responsible for the long- has permitted much greater impact of these transportation term operation and maintenance access to goods and services from corridors are increasingly of the airports, will have to conduct the South. Increased sources of evident across the region, and repairs in order to ensure the incomes and economic well-being the Commission will need to continued quality of this public across the region have resulted consider those impacts both as service. The Commission has in a substantial increase in the components of larger project begun to integrate its concern consumption of consumer goods proposals but also as independent for the long-term stability of and an equally increased burden on developments in Nunavik. projects on permafrost into the management of resultant waste the directives that it issues for products. The network of roads in Mineral exploration continues environmental and social impact Nunavik now includes an expanded today in many sectors of Nunavik, assessments in Nunavik. Clearly, pattern of municipal roads that particularly in the region near the climate change that continues link public services such as waste villages of Salluit and Kangiqsujuaq.

34 In 2004, the Commission examined requested permission to construct will undoubtedly transform the three projects in this particular area a temporary road and airstrip for social and economic structure that concerned waste disposal at the project camp. The Commission of Nunavik. The Cape Smith Belt the Expo and Lake Kenty camps, expressed its concern that the contains an enormous range of and the construction of a mining proposed road was likely to minerals and metals. The demand road leading to the Mesamax remain a permanent feature of the for these resources is very much and Expo deposits. These ore landscape. As mining exploration governed by global factors and, bodies belong to the Canadian and operations continue to should prices remain stable or Royalties Company and are located expand in Nunavik, the cumulative continue to rise, it is reasonable between the Raglan mine, a impacts of the infrastructure to assume that other mining property of Xstrata Nickel, and required to support them should projects will prove to be viable. Parc national des Pingualuit. be subject to comprehensive It remains for the Commission to land use planning policy and ensure that they are socially and In 2007, in Nunavik’s second main environmental assessment. environmentally viable as well. mineral exploration sector, close to Kangiqsualujjuaq, Uranor Inc. The regional development of submitted the CAGE uranium- mining resources in Nunavik deposit mineral exploration may well signal the beginning project to the Commission. They of a large series of projects that

35 36 Developing and Conserving the Landscape

Nunavik is known internationally for its natural resources and culture. In recent years, the Commission has considered development projects related to the organization, marketing, and commercial use of natural resources and cultural products including the vast herds of caribou, the relatively plentiful fish, and some plants that are used for the production of tea. Because the Inuit are reliant on these resources, the Commission has been meticulous in its analysis and development of projects related to these natural resources. Northern ecosystems, though, are very sensitive to development. To preserve the land for future generations, several parks and protected areas have been created. All of these projects help restore or preserve the original aspect of the land and foster eco- tourism in a controlled manner.

37 Commercial Harvesting of Caribou

Nunavik is fortunate to sustain all carcasses be quickly removed formats: (1) the construction one of the most important from the river banks before they of permanent meat processing populations of caribou in the world. decomposed, that the work was facilities in the villages, and (2) the The population explosion of the performed using proper sanitary use of mobile slaughterhouses. George River herd and the Leaf precautions to protect local Bay herd over the past 30 years residents and the environment, In the 1990s, Nunavik serves to confirm the importance and that no equipment or oil Arctic Foods undertook an of these herds. In the course of barrels were abandoned by intercommunity project to build its activities, the Commission the project proponent. four meat processing plants in the has been faced with a number communities of Kangiqsualujjuaq, of projects that directly effect or During this same period, a 1984 Quaqtaq, Kangiqsujuaq and may potentially affect the well- study by the Ministry of Recreation, Umiujaq, where caribou and ringed being of the caribou population. Fish and Game on the feasibility seals could be slaughtered and of marketing caribou meat in the their meat processed for local and In 1984, nearly ten thousand North was initiated, and shortly regional sale and export outside of caribou washed up on the shores thereafter the parties to the Nunavik. Unfortunately, the meat of the Caniapiscau and Koksoak James Bay and Northern Quebec processing plants were unable to rivers downstream from Limestone Agreement signed an agreement turn a profit as harvesting proved Falls. The animals drowned while governing commercial hunting more difficult than first anticipated. attempting to cross the Caniapiscau as well as animal farming and River. The first project submitted to husbandry in Northern Quebec. The next harvesting strategy the Commission in connection with Commercial harvesting, however, focused on the use of mobile the event involved airlifting the was considered a third priority to slaughterhouses. Subject to an carcasses by helicopter. In January subsistence and sport hunting. By ongoing monitoring protocol, the 1985, Tuktu Assistant Corporation 1986, the Commission received Commission agreed to support this submitted a project to recover the a variety of proposals for the new initiative on an experimental carcasses and sell them to various marketing of caribou meat, basis. As well, the Hunting, commercial processing companies. and over a period of 15 years Fishing and Trapping Coordinating The Commission required that it studied two types of project Committee requested the

38 establishment of strict harvesting economic spin offs of commercially particularly the health problems quotas. However, changes in annual harvested caribou at Lake Mollet, they may pose to animals and Inuit. caribou migration patterns created it continued to address the issues logistical problems that interfered of the sustainable use of this Unfortunately, the hope invested in with the related monitoring renewable natural resource with the project to commercially exploit studies. Beginning in 1991, respect to herd dynamics and the caribou of Nunavik proved Nunavik Arctic Foods undertook migration patterns. Such projects to be of great practical difficulty. an environmental impact study do not appear to affect any rare This was also the case for a similar for the mobile slaughterhouse or endangered species. In fact, project north of Schefferville project. The project was authorized wolverines, when present in the intiated by the Naskapi Nation of in November 2003 subject to area, would benefit from the Kawawachikamach. Nonetheless, conditions governing the limits, remains of the caribou carcasses, the caribou herds continue to maintenance, and environmental as would lynx, golden eagles and support the traditional harvesting protection of hunting territories. bald eagles. The Commission also needs of the Inuit and provide an studied the risk of environmental important base for recreational While the Commission was deterioration caused by the hunting activities in the region. confident of the positive social and elimination of carcasses,

39 Managing Natural Resources

A number of marketing projects Lake for wintering. Although the Commission was informed that have been submitted to the project fulfilled an environmental the Ministry of Agriculture, Commission, with the objective concern, positive social and Fisheries and Food had rendered of developing products for economic spin offs for sport and a positive decision on the facility’s sale outside of Nunavik. subsistence fishing were touted plans and specifications, and Between 1999 and 2004, the as medium-term benefits for the Commission decided to Commission received several Nunavik. The Commission decided exempt the project from the applications related to the to exempt the project from the environmental and social impact unrestricted movement of arctic environmental and social impact assessment and review procedure. char in the Nepihjee River. assessment and review procedure, In 2001, a project to build a although it emphasized that the The plant-based product smokehouse in Puvirnituq was monitoring of the fish harvested commercialization project submitted. In 2002, the Avataq by the community of Kuujjuaq and involved the production and Cultural Institute submitted its of the upstream migrations should marketing of herbal teas. The project to market plant-based be carried out for other similar goal of the project was to pass products from Nunavik. projects elsewhere in Nunavik. on traditional knowledge about the gathering and use of northern The proposed arctic char project The smokehouse project involved plants. Given the limited raw- would reshape the Nepihjee River processing about 20,000 kilograms material needs (roughly 1,500 to allow the fish unrestricted of fish annually, most of which kilograms per year) and the passage upstream towards Stewart would come from Nunavik. The social benefits of the project,

40 it was also exempted from the environmental and social impact assessment and review procedure.

The Inuit way of life is closely tied to the natural environment. Projects that market and commercialize local products, such as those based on plants (herbal teas), processed fish, and caribou meat have been nurtured. The increase in the variety of marketing projects submitted to the Commission demonstrates the ability of Inuit to adapt to global economic realities.

41 Designating a Network of Northern Parks

The Government of Quebec has Northern Quebec Agreement. The Mountains to Ungava Bay. The set objectives for safeguarding the main attraction of the Parc national boundaries of the Kuururjuaq Park province’s biodiversity based on des Pingualuit is the lake that lies project generally follow those the 1994 definition of protected in the Nouveau-Québec meteorite of the Koroc River watershed, areas produced by the International crater known internationally for an area of approximately 4,273 Union for Conservation of the purity and low mineral content square kilometers. The project is Nature. These objectives include of its water. Isolated areas in the intended to protect a territory of designating 8% of the province North have water that is generally vast ecological wealth that features as protected areas by 2010. clear and of superior quality, but aspects of the natural regions Section 23 of the James Bay and Lake Pingaluit has exceptional known as the Torngat Mountain Northern Quebec Agreement transparency and its waters take Foothills, the George River Plateau, stipulates that proposals for a very long time to be renewed. and the Ungava Bay coastline. parks, ecological reserves, or Scientific data certifies it as one other similar land classifications of the clearest lakes in the world. Kurrurjuaq Park is the second of are automatically subject to Given the lake’s international five parks planned for Nunavik. the environmental and social renown, the Commission focused The Commission was, and impact assessment and review. particular attention on ensuring remains, especially sensitive to that the lake’s ecological integrity the integration of tourism within The first northern parc national would be preserved and on ecologically sensitive areas, project was submitted to the understanding the social impacts particularly those that are used Commission in July 1997 by the that would be generated by the for Inuit harvesting activities. Ministry of Environment and first park in Northern Quebec. A third park, le Parc national Wildlife. Pingaluit Park, also known des lacs Guillaume-Delisle-et-à- as Crater Lake, was foreseen as the The Commission recently approved l’Eau-Claire, likely to be renamed site of a parc national during the the second parc national project, Tursujuq, is currently under development of the James Bay and covering an area from the Torngat review by the Commission.

42 Inuit consider the development of international tourism products adapted to the realities of the North as a major economic tool of the future. Nunavik is ideal for recreational and tourist opportunities and the marketing of the territory, through outdoor recreation activities and the discovery of outstanding landscapes for, has generated significant employment and financial spin offs. Nunavik’s natural geographical features and cultural traditions give the region a distinct identity. In this respect, the creation of parks has had two positive The second is environmental, certain unique landscapes in impacts. The first is economic, through the protection and Nunavik and Quebec while through the development of maintenance of natural areas. ensuring that the social structure tourism and the construction and the economic expectations of quality tourist-reception The Commission remains attentive of the northern population. facilities (outfitting camps). to the balance of protecting

43 Building a Base for Tourism

Nunavik outfitters have been submitted to the Commission, Commission is concerned about the providing opportunities for which then decides whether or proliferation of mobile outfitting sport hunting since the early not to subject the project to the camps, the increase in waste, 1950s. Today, 70 companies hold environmental and social impact and the lack of environmental permits and operate a total of 139 assessment and review procedure. monitoring. The Commission permanent camps. In accordance To respond to increasing demand, feels that these projects should with Chapter II of the Environment many outfitters have been be monitored particularly in Quality Act, any new project expanding their client capacity. expansion proposals that include involving more than 30 persons Since 1996, the Commission has the need for an airstrip or a road at one time is automatically received 12 expansion projects that could produce impacts that subject to the assessment and and all have been exempt from the may require detailed analysis. review procedure, although no assessment and review procedure. project of that size has yet been submitted to the Commission. To date, the Commission’s decisions have been based on the estimation Expansion projects planned by that the environmental issues outfitters whose permits cover were small and well regulated by more than 30 people must be current legislation. However, the

44 Future Trends

The conservation objectives practices of hunting and fishing sensitive to the possibility that an of the Government of Quebec in the designated areas and the emphasis on protected areas not as well as those of the Kativik possible impacts of anticipated imply that those areas that are Regional Government are such tourism in these same areas not protected are available for that a number of substantial areas preoccupied the Commission. The development without regard to the of Nunavik have recently been projection of economic benefits social and environmental health designated as parc national, and a associated the first two parks of the region and its inhabitants. number of others are anticipated in in Nunavik, and those that may the immediate future. The very fact follow, are among the major that park proposals are subject to issues that the Commission an environmental and social impact will continue to monitor. review is a reflection that these projects were perceived, as early Other recent conservation as the signing of the James Bay and strategies and governmental Northern Quebec Agreement, as policies have been announced one way of developing the North. to further protect the northern regions of Quebec. Consistent In each of the two parks that the with its mission to protect the Commission has approved, the entire territory of Nunavik, balance between the traditional the Commission is particularly

45 46 Nunavik: A Homeland in Transition

The range of projects reviewed projects. Municipalities were fuel storage, housing and by the Commission over the encouraged to present their transportation--education and past 30 years closely mirrors projects to the Commission in co- health facilities, and the provision the evolution of development operation with the Kativik Regional of jobs particularly for the growing initiatives in the North. Government in order to stimulate population of young adults. In the sharing of information and evaluating projects submitted The expertise represented within skills between communities. More in the future, the Commission the Commission has been fostered recently, the need to protect, will have to anticipate these by its members (of different nurture, and develop the landscape growing local needs with a view cultures and working backgrounds), and culture of Nunavik has resulted to improving the quality of life by project proponents, and by a in negotiated agreements with throughout Nunavik. Each of these variety of groups devoted to the developers concerning project transformations challenge the conservation and development impacts and economic spin offs in Commission to ensure a viable of Nunavik. The members of the exchange for the right to exploit and strategic environmental Commission have included both subsurface and surface resources. assessment approach that will generalists and specialists, including The directives of the Commission sustain the cultural and natural biologists, engineers, hunters, are designed to compliment development of Inuit in Nunavik, wildlife experts, an anthropologist, these agreements, although the and a landscape architect. Certain Commission’s decisions are based In addition to increased demand, members have been self-employed, on an independent analysis and municipal infrastructure will be others are civil servants, and still evaluation of the project proposal. affected by permafrost thawing. others are university professors. This phenomenon, which is already This unique mix of interests and The current demographic profile affecting airstrips and certain cultures has created an atmosphere in Nunavik points to considerable community buildings, threatens of continuous and mutual learning. population growth in the coming to cause a great deal of damage years. This growth will increase and will necessitate major repairs During its early years, the demand on community services, to underlying foundations. The Commission was asked to municipal infrastructure--waste Commission will account for assess municipal infrastructure water treatment, solid waste this in their evaluation of all development and construction disposal, drinking water systems,

47 future municipal infrastructure increases in average precipitation, long-term management of waste, and building proposals. average summer temperatures including those associated with (from 2 to 6 degrees celsius), and mining operations. Clearly, The 20th century was the hottest in average winter temperatures future Commission directives recent history. Unlike other Arctic (from 6 to 12.5 degrees celsius). and project evaluations will have regions, Nunavik experienced a to be formulated to preclude, slight cooling trend near the end If warming continues and reduce, or slow potential of the 1980s and into the early precipitation increases as expected, environmental and social impacts 1990s. Since the mid-1990s, northern ecosystems will be related to climate change. however, the region has recorded affected by (a) shifting vegetation above-average temperatures zones; (b) changing diversity, range The global demand for metals that are already exerting impacts and density of animal populations; and the extraordinary wealth on the landscape and buildings and (c) growing permafrost of Nunavik’s subsurface throughout Nunavik. Residents instability, particularly in zones resources (Cape Smith Belt) will report gentler and shorter winters where the ground is saturated in certainly stimulate major mining with later freezing, earlier thawing, ice. Further changes should be development in the coming years. and quicker snowmelt than anticipated with regard to coastal Climate change and the diminished before. Climate models forecast ice dynamics. The Commission integrity of the permafrost may a continued warming in the 21st must be mindful of the impact of well render these resources more century, with more drastic rises these changes on the management accessible. Certainly, shipping in in Northern Quebec than in the of roads, marine infrastructure, northern waters will be facilitated southern reaches of Canada. traditional hunting routes across by shorter icebound periods. These models forecast significant the land and ice, and even the With the expertise gained over

48 the past years, the Commission strive to integrate the full scope of will we maintain our language, will continue to ensure that the Inuit concerns in local and global culture and traditions?” “What development projects minimize development projects and, with are the guarantees for the next environmental impacts and foster a view to fostering sustainable generation, and what kind of jobs new employment opportunities development, will attempt to will we have in the future?” for Inuit in the region. anticipate the contingencies associated with such projects. One Inuk looked pensive, paused For more than 50 years, Inuit for a few moments and finally inhabitants throughout Nunavik It is appropriate that the last words said, “Our rocks . . . they’re have experienced major changes of this report be drawn from the gone forever.” Clearly, she saw to their social and environmental public hearings over the past 30 the rocks not as a source of setting, and it is obvious that these years. The most recent hearings, minerals or the waste product changes will continue in the future. on the Nunavik Nickel project of the mining process, but as an In this context of continual change, proposal, serve as a typical example integral component of the social their proven ability to adapt and of the thoughtful comments made and physical homeland of which their enthusiastic management by residents from the northern she was a part. The Commission and control of the region bode communities that participated. faces the challenge of conserving well for the future. As it has done They asked: “How will we maintain this integrated view of life for all in the past, the Commission will our culture and way of life?” “How future development in the North.

49 Members of the Kativik Environmental Quality Commission

PETER JACOBS Member since 1979 Chairman and Landscape Architect

DAVID OKPIK DANIEL BERROUARD PUTULIK PAPIGATUK MIREILLE PAUL Member since 1979 Member since 1982 Member since 2004 Member since 1996 Hunter and former Biologist Hunter and mining Biologist mayor of Quaqtaq expert

JOSEPH ANNAHATAK ÉDITH VAN DE WALLE ELI AULLALUK PIERRE-MICHEL Member since 2004 Member since 1998 Member since 2004 FONTAINE Hunter and Mayor Mining environment Hunter and former Member since 2008 of Kangisuk Mayor of Akulivik Biologist

50 Previous Commission members Previous Commission members Previous Executive Secretaries appointed by the Kativik Regional appointed by the Government of Government Quebec

Mr. Bernard Arcand (1981-1996) Mr. Pierre Dansereau (1980) Mr. Martin Tremblay (2007-2009) Mr. Daniel Weetaluktuk (1981-1982) Mr. Michel Beaulieu (1981-1987) Mrs. Zineb Alaoui Mdaghri (2005-2007) Mr. Eli Weetaluktuk (1982-1984) Mr. Gilles Harvey (1987- 2001) Mr. Michael O’Neill (1997-2004) Mrs. Mary Simon (1990- 1994) Mr. Bertrand Bouchard (1980-1995) Mr. Jacques Lacroix (1994-1996) Mr. George Kauki (1985- 1987) Mr. Alain Gariepy (1980-1981) Mrs. Karen Rosen (1992-1993) Mr. Paul Okituk (1987-1988) Mr. Michel Lagacé (1980-1981) Mr. Philippe Di Pizzo (1987-1994) Mr. Mark R. Gordon (1982-1989) Mrs. Hélène Weber (1981-1982) Mr. Hervé Chatagnier (1982-1987) Mr. Robert Zimmerman (1981 -1982) Mr. Georges Simard (1981-1999) Mr. Jean-Pierre Rostaing (1980-1982) Mr. David Annanack (1984- 1989) Mr. Denis Bernatchez (1996-2008) Mrs. Carole Gagné-Gervais (1980) Mr. Moses Nowkawalk (1990-1991) Mr. Paul Alaku (1991-1992) Mr. Josepie Padlayat (1992-1994) Mrs. Annie Watt-Grenier (1994-1995) Mr. Neil Greig (1994-2001) Mr. Claude Grenier (1995-2001) Mr. Michael Gordon (1997-2005) Mrs. Mary Palliser (2001-2005) Mr. Davidee Niviaxie (2005-2006)

The Commission welcomes its newest member, Larry Watt, appointed in the winter of 2009. 51 The Commission Website

The web site of the Commission through our Internet site (http:// our code of ethics, and our is designed to provide northern keqc-cqek.krg.ca). There, you can policy on public consultation. residents, project proponents, find our mandate and procedures and those interested in the respecting the evaluation of Our site lists our current and development of Nunavik with environmental impact studies for past membership and provides historic and current information development projects proposed a description of the secretariat. of the Commission’s activities. within the territory of Nunavik and It is also possible to access our submitted to the Commission. The registry of decisions, our reports, The Kativik Environmental Quality site also contains information on and the minutes of more than 170 Commission provides public access our working procedures including meetings that have been held since to our policies and activities our communication strategy, our the inception of the Commission. internal rules and regulations,

52 Current and former members of the KEQC kN[4 kN5ti x?t4f5 xy5pX9oxJ6

x?toEi4f5 x7ml ckw1qyxExc3if5 cspmZhx4bsiz b3Cu kwtE[s?9oxizb WNhx3bsizk5. vt[4 kNs2 Wsy3hyxExc3izb vtmpq8k5 WNhx3bsc5bymJ5 !(&( - @))(