CanNor and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association collaborate to promote economic development from resource development projects. The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA), confirming both parties’ commitment to advance responsible resource development while promoting regional benefits in the Qikiqtani region of Nunavut. One of the major projects there is the Mary River iron ore development. Under this MOU, CanNor and the QIA will coordinate their efforts so that Inuit of the Qikiqtani region are best prepared to participate in and benefit from major resource and regional infrastructure projects. CanNor says it “is putting in place MOUs as part of its overall efforts to foster a sustainable and dynamic economy for Northerners.” Through its Northern Projects Management Office (NPMO), CanNor and the QIA together will identify the potential opportunities and challenges to participating in major projects, and map out a plan so that the region can grow and prosper as a result of their involvement in major projects.
“CanNor is pleased to be working in partnership with the QIA,” said Patrick Borbey, President of CanNor. “Working with communities to establish these types of collaborative tools will help us all to maximise the opportunities flowing from resource development projects.”
“We are committed to striking a balance in developing resources in the Qikiqtani region and making sure Inuit not only benefit from these developments, but that our rights and traditions are respected, protected, and advanced. By signing this MOU with CanNor we look forward to coordinating our efforts with those of the federal government,” said QIA President Okalik Eegeesiak.
The Qikiqtani region of Nunavut is rich with natural resources and with the recent federal approval of the Mary River iron ore project, the region is poised to take advantage of the benefits from a major project in the very near future. The approved project has the potential to produce 18 Mt/y of iron ore over a projected 21 year lifespan and create thousands of jobs during the construction and operation phases.
The NPMO, as part of CanNor, has a mandate to improve the timeliness, predictability and transparency of regulatory processes in the North to help create a more stable and attractive investment climate in the territories. CanNor fosters northern economic development through funding programs, providing project management services, leveraging the federal role in the North, serving as a champion for northern interests, and undertaking policy and research.
