Appearance before the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs: 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (A) 2020-21 Northern Affairs, June 16, 2020

Logistics

Date: Friday, May 01, 2020

Time: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Location: Videoconference (Zoom)

Subject: Government's Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Appearing:

• Panel #1 (in order of delivery of remarks)
  1. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services
  2. The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
  3. The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs
• Panel #2
  • Indigenous Services Canada
    1. Jean-François Tremblay, Deputy Minister
    2. Valerie Gideon, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch
    3. Mary-Luisa Kapelus, Assistant Deputy Minister, Education, Social Development Programs and Partnerships Sector
    4. Dr. Wong, Chief Medical Officer and Director General, Office of Population and Public Health
    5. Christopher Duschenes, Director General, Economic Policy Development Branch
  • Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
    1. Daniel Watson, Deputy Minister
    2. Jeff Moore, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy and Strategic Direction Sector
    3. Ross Pattee, Assistant Deputy Minister, Implementation Sector
    4. Serge Beaudoin, Assistant Deputy Minister, Northern Affairs

Meeting proceedings

This will be the first meeting INAN has had on COVID-19. Several other parliamentary committees have been studying this issue over the past few weeks.

Some of the members of INAN took part in a debate in the House of Commons on COVID-19 on April 11, 2020. For example, MP Zimmer (CPC) asked about northern businesses not qualifying for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. He asked if special considerations are being given to Northern airlines that serve remote communities. MP Schmale (CPC) asked if the Government would extend the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy for tourism-based small businesses.

Members of the committee have also raised Indigenous issues during Question Period. This week MP Vidal (CPC) inquired about the eligibility requirements of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy program. He said he has heard that some Indigenous businesses are not eligible. Also in the House of Commons, MP Schmale (CPC) asked about First Nations communities having difficulty accessing personal protective equipment. He also asked whether Indigenous people in urban centres are receiving their share of Government funds.

MPs have also raised Indigenous issues during technical teleconference meetings by the Public Health Agency of Canada over the past few weeks. MP Zimmer (CPC) asked if people are screened before entering First Nation communities for COVID-19. MP Leah Gazan (NDP), who is substituting for MP Qaqqaq (NDP) for this committee meeting, asked what is being done in remote communities, and for homeless people in urban settings.

The Standing Committee on Health (HESA) has been studying the Government's response to COVID-19 for the past several weeks. MP Vidal (CPC), who sat on HESA for a meeting, asked for clarity on the funding issues faced by friendship centres. He also asked what the Government is doing to ensure that remote communities receive the supplies they need.

ISC officials appeared last week before HESA. The focus of the questions for officials were about providing supplies and personal protective equipment to remote communities, whether Cuban doctors would be sent to First Nation communities. Questions were also raised about social distancing in crowded homes, and whether infrastructure would be put in place to enable people who test positive to isolate themselves.

Indigenous issues have also been raised at other committees. MP Gord Johns (NDP) has asked whether Indigenous businesses would be able to access the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy in the Standing Committee on Finance (FINA) and in the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology (INDU). Questions have also been raised on the work the Government is undertaking with territorial governments (FINA) and whether rapid testing kits were being sent to First Nation communities (HESA).

Meeting proceedings

The meeting is scheduled to occur between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. via the web platform Zoom. Witnesses will be asked to connect to the meeting prior to 2 p.m.. It is also possible that the meeting may go longer than 4 p.m. should there be technical difficulties with technology/connections.

The first hour will see remarks delivered by Ministers followed by rounds of questions from Committee members. The second hour will continue with rounds of questions directed to officials only. Officials are expected to be connected to the meeting for the full duration.

The meeting can be watched via Parlvu, however there is a 70-second delay.

While simultaneous translation will be available, witnesses are asked to respond to questions in either language but to limit switching back and forth between languages as this often creates technology/interpretation challenges.

The Chair will open the meeting and provide instructions for the meeting proceedings. He will then introduce all witnesses. Ministers will then deliver remarks as per standard practice. It is also recommended to speak slowly, and at an appropriate level, to ensure the interpreters can hear you, as well as to mute your phone when you are not speaking.

It should also be noted that the Committee has been authorized to study the issue of COVID-19, and it has not been authorized to report back to the House. During this meeting, members will not be able to propose motions or challenge the Chair's rulings.

1. Committee members will pose their questions in the following order:
   • First round (6 minutes for each Party)
     • Conservative Party of Canada
     • Liberal Party of Canada
     • Bloc Québécois
     • New Democratic Party of Canada
   • Second round (5 minutes for each Party)
     • Conservative Party of Canada
     • Liberal Party of Canada
     • Conservative Party of Canada
     • Liberal Party of Canada
   • 2.5 minutes for the Bloc Quebecois and the New Democratic Party

Supplementary Estimates (A)
Statutory Vote
$114,900,000

• Canada remains committed to supporting provincial and territorial governments in responding to COVID-19.
• Territorial governments have unique needs related to remoteness, transportation and health care limitations, and have a higher cost of living and doing business.
• The 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (A) provided $114.9 million in new funding for COVID-19 response measures.
• This funding aims to:
  • support Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut responses to COVID-19 for urgent health care and social support needs ($72.6M);
  • support the Nutrition North Canada mandate in improving access to healthy foods through nutritional education and subsidies to help alleviate the cost of food in isolated communities ($25M); and
  • support a focused and reliable air network for the movement of essential goods and services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic ($17.3M).

Background

The new statutory funding related to COVID-19 response measures under the responsibility of Minister of Northern Affairs includes:

• Up to $25 million to support temporary enhancements to Nutrition North Canada, further safeguarding food security for people living in Canada's North;
• Up to $72.6 million for urgent health care and social support needs in the territories in response to COVID-19. Of this amount, $18.4 million will be allocated to Yukon, $23.4 million to Northwest Territories, and $30.8 million to Nunavut; and
• Up to $17.3 million to enable the continuation of northern air services supporting essential resupply and medical services in the North.

Funding has been already disbursed for the urgent health care and social support needs in the territories in response to COVID-19 and to enable the continuation of northern air services supporting essential resupply and medical services in the North. Funding for Nutrition North Canada will be disbursed this summer.

Funding for COVID-19 Response – Nutrition North Canada

Funding for COVID-19 Response Measures - Health and social services

Funding for COVID-19 Response Measures – Northern air services

Vote # 10
6,000,000 dollars in new funding in the 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (A)

• The 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (A) provided $6.0 million in new funding to support planning activities of the Government of Northwest Territories for the proposed Taltson hydroelectricity expansion project.
• Funds were identified in Budget 2019 to reduce pollution in Canada's North resulting from electricity generation.
• The expansion of the Taltson Hydroelectric system will provide residents and businesses with clean, reliable, affordable hydroelectric power and reduce Government of Northwest Territories' reliance on fossil fuels for heat and electricity.
• Our Government continues to support infrastructure projects in order to meet our climate change goals.

Background

Budget 2019 committed $18 million over three years (2019-2020 to 2021-2022) to fund the pre-development phase of the Taltson hydroelectric expansion project.

This 3-year funding, which started in 2019-20, is targeted to support the Government of Northwest Territories in undertaking planning activities for its proposed Taltson Hydroelectricity Expansion Project.

The Taltson Hydroelectricity Expansion Project looks to expand the existing Taltson Hydro facility and connect the North Slave and South Slave hydropower systems and achieve a transformative reduction in the Northwest Territories' greenhouse gas emissions, while stabilizing the cost of living and doing business. This project is essential to the ongoing growth and economic prosperity of the Northwest Territories and its citizens.

The Government of Northwest Territories project plan places early emphasis on securing and creating strong partnerships with Indigenous governments to collaboratively develop the partnership model, and ensure full participation in the project, including formalization of the investment relationship, undertaking of engineering technical and feasibility studies, and the environmental assessment process.

The expansion of the hydroelectric grid is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 227 kilotons (KT) by 2030 and will play a critical role in meeting the territorial and national climate change goals.

Vote # 10
9,876,941 dollars in new funding in the 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (A)

• These Supplementary Estimates investments support the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework and contribute toward closing the gaps in education outcomes.
• The 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (A) provided close to $9.9 million in new funding to support research and higher education in Canada's North. This includes $0.5 million for the Task Force on Post-Secondary Education, $6.6 million for the new science building at Yukon University, and more than $2.8 million for the Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning.
• Responding to the recommendations of the Task-Force on Post-Secondary Education in the North is a priority for our government.
• The goal of the investments in post-secondary education in the North initiatives is to help close the gaps in education outcomes and provide ongoing learning and skills development opportunities, including Indigenous-based knowledge and skills.
• We will work together, with our partners, to implement a shared vision for a strong, prosperous and sustainable Arctic.

Background

The Arctic and Northern Policy Framework (Framework), launched on September 10th, 2019, sets out a long-term, strategic vision that will guide the Government of Canada's activities and investments in the Arctic to 2030 and beyond and will better align Canada's national and international policy objectives with the priorities of Indigenous peoples and Arctic and Northern residents.

The Framework is articulated around eight goals, and specific to post-secondary education in the North is to nurture healthy families and communities. Within this goal, there is a very clear co-developed objective to close the gaps in education outcomes.

Budget 2019 announced investments for the implementation of a suite of post-secondary education in the North initiatives in support of the shared priorities, goals and objectives of the Framework. The outcome of the investments within the suite of post-secondary education in the North initiatives will close the gaps in education outcomes and provide ongoing learning and skills development opportunities, including Indigenous-based knowledge and skills.

The Task Force on Post-secondary Education in the North will build on the reports and findings already completed by Northern and Arctic stakeholders.

Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning is a unique and innovative land-based program offering accredited university courses in a number of fields. The Government of Canada's investment will support the development, extension and maintenance of its suite of accredited post-secondary courses and support the transition to a full term program.

Government of Canada's investment to construct a new campus science building will help Yukon College undertake its transformation into Canada's first university north of 60°. The new science building will facilitate teaching, applied research and technology development by providing collaborative space for academia, researchers and industry.

2020-2021 Supplementary Estimates (A)

• The 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (A) include key initiatives and new funding totalling approximately $879.5 million. Of these amounts, $748.7 million is for Crown-Indigenous Relations (CIR) and $130.8 million is for Northern Affairs (NA).
• This includes:
  • $114.9 million in funding for new initiatives related to COVID-19 response measures, including support for urgent health and social support needs in the Territories, support for northern air carriers, and for the Nutrition North Canada program;
  • $741.2 million in reprofiled funding for the Federal Indian Day Schools Settlement ($481.2 million), and the Sixties Scoop Settlement ($260.0 million); and
  • $23.4 million in grants and contributions for northern research and higher education ($9.9 million); to respond to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls' Final report ($6.0 million); to support planning activities of the Government of Northwest Territories for the proposed Taltson hydroelectricity expansion project ($6.0 million); and to continue Indigenous Consultation and Capacity Support Activities ($1.5 million).
• The total budgetary authorities for Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) in 2020-21 will be approximately $5.8 billion.
• This funding ensures that the Department will be able to make concrete steps to continue the work to renew the nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, government-to-government relationship between Canada and First Nations, Inuit and Métis, to support their vision of self-determination and advance work in the North.

Background

The 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (A) for all departments were tabled in the House of Commons by the President of Treasury Board on June 2, 2020.

The 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (A) include key initiatives and new funding totaling approximately $879.5 million, of which $138.3 million represents funding for new initiatives including statutory authority related to the COVID-19 response measures; reprofiles totaling $741.2 million; and $0.8M of internal reallocation from contributions to grant to support the Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) program, led by the Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

The net increase of $879.5 million is comprised of:

• 741.2 million in Vote 1 Operating expenditures: Reprofiles funding for the Federal Indian Day Schools $481.2 million, and Sixties Scoop Settlement $260.0 million;
• $23.4 million in Vote 10 Grants and contributions: Funding to support research and higher education in Canada's North ($9.9 million); to respond to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls' Final report ($6.0 million); to support planning activities of the Government of Northwest Territories for the proposed Taltson hydroelectricity expansion project ($6.0 million); and to continue Indigenous Consultation and Capacity Support Activities ($1.5 million); and
• $114.9 million in Statutory funding: Payments to Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut responses to COVID-19 for urgent health care and social support needs ($72.6 million); for Nutrition North Canada ($25.0 million), and to support northern air carriers ($17.3 million) all under the Public Health Events of National Concern Payments Act.

Supplementary Estimates (A)
Vote # 1
481,227,567 dollars reprofiled

• The implementation of the Federal Indian Day Schools Settlement Agreement began on January 13, 2020. Through this settlement, all persons who attended one of the 699 eligible Indian Day Schools will be able to apply for individual compensation for harms, including physical and sexual abuse, associated with their attendance.
• An appeal of the Federal Court's approval of the settlement delayed the implementation of the claims process until January 13, 2020.
• As a result, my department is seeking to re-profile $481.2M to ensure that compensation is available to eligible class members for incidents of physical and sexual abuse and to support the administration costs of the settlement.
• The re-profiled funds are required to ensure compensation is available to eligible class members for incidents of physical and sexual abuse and to support the administration costs of the settlement.
• The re-profile will ensure that all eligible former students receive compensation for their harms suffered at federally-run Indian Day Schools.

Key Messages

The mistreatment of Indigenous children is a tragic and shameful part of Canada's history.

• The Court has approved the settlement agreement and the process has begun to compensate survivors.
• Thousands of Indigenous people who suffered harm at federally-run Indian Day Schools will have until July 13, 2022, to apply for long-awaited compensation.
• The settlement also includes an investment of $200 million to support healing, wellness, education, language, culture and commemoration.
• Canada is committed to reconciliation and we will continue to work with survivors.

Canada is committed to reconciliation and we will continue to work with survivors.

Claims Process

• The claims process is paper-based and does not require survivors to testify. It minimizes the burden on survivors and avoids the re-traumatization associated with a hearing.
• The claims process will not put day school survivors on trial. No one will be cross-examined or asked to defend their story.
• The process is designed to be quick and require minimal documentation that should already be in the possession of survivors or their family members.
• Survivors who require assistance with the claims process will be able to seek advice from the administrator, Deloitte, or class counsel, Gowling WLG, without charge.

Other Claims

• Our government is deeply committed to advancing reconciliation and healing.
• We are committed to righting past wrongs through negotiation rather than litigation and the proposed settlement agreement brings us one step closer to lasting and meaningful resolution to the legacy of Federal Indian Day Schools.
• We know that there are other Childhood Claims and we are actively working with parties, including the provinces, territories and Indigenous leadership, to resolve litigation in a respectful, compassionate and fair manner.

Background

McLean is a certified national class action on behalf of Indigenous peoples (and their families) who attended a Federal Indian Day School, as defined by the Indian Act, between 1920 and ending on the date of closure of any particular Indian Day School, or the date on which management was effectively transferred from Canada.

An Agreement- in-Principle was reached on November 30, 2018. On March 12, 2019, Minister Bennett, along with representative plaintiffs, announced that a proposed settlement agreement has been reached.

On August 19, 2019, the Federal Court approved the settlement.

On October 31, 2019, a Motion for Leave to Appeal the Federal Indian Day Schools Settlement Agreement was filed with the Federal Court of Appeal by David Schultz on behalf of Chief Paul Émile Ottawa of the Atikamekw of Manawan. The appeal raises a number of issues including: deficiencies in the evidences filed by the parties to support the settlement agreement,  that the claims period is too short, that the agreement lacks appropriate health supports and that class members have no right to specific legal counsel. Mr. Schultz's appeal was filed after the October 30, 2019 appeal deadline. On December 11, 2019, the Federal Court of Appeals dismissed the motion.

The settlement implementation began on January 13, 2020, and class members will have 2.5 years to apply for compensation.

Since it was launched, the process has progressed well and as of June 1, the claims administrator Deloitte has received 43,628 claims. Of those claims, 10,292 have so far received compensation.

Vote # 1
260,000,000 dollars reprofiled Supplementary Estimates (A)

• The 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (A) provided $260.0 million of reprofiled funding for the Sixties Scoop Settlement.
• The reprofiled funds are required to ensure sufficient funds continue to be available for individual compensation to eligible class members (up to $250M) and to support ongoing administration costs of the settlement ($10M).
• This funding is essential to fulfill the Government's obligation to implement the settlement agreement as per the Federal Court of Canada and Ontario Superior Court of Justice.
• The Sixties Scoop is a dark and painful chapter in our history. The settlement agreement represents a significant first step in resolving this historic injustice.
• Canada is committed to ensuring that survivors receive compensation as quickly as possible.
• Through the settlement agreement, Canada has committed to providing between $500M and $750M in compensation to survivors. $500M has been transferred to the claims administrator. Transfer of the remaining compensation will be determined once the total number of eligible claims is known.
• Eligible class members have now already started receiving partial payments of $21,000.
• Canada is committed to working with the parties to ensure payments are made as quickly as possible.

Key Messages

• Given the exceptional circumstances created by COVID-19, class counsel with support from Canada sought approval from the courts to issue partial payments to class members with a valid claim immediately.
• On June 1st the Federal Court granted that order and on June 2nd the Ontario Superior Court of Justice also granted the order.
• Eligible class members can now expect to receive partial payments of $21,000 over the coming weeks.
• Canada welcomes the courts' decision and is committed to working with all parties to ensure payments are made as quickly as possible.

Suspensions

• COVID-19 has meant that timelines to respond to incomplete applications have been suspended and validation of applications have been delayed – resulting in delays in survivors receiving compensation.
• The parties are working collaboratively with the administrator to ensure that once the suspension is lifted the claims process will resume in an efficient and timely manner.
• Canada is committed to ensuring that survivors receive compensation expeditiously.

Métis / Non-Status not included

• The Sixties Scoop is a dark and painful chapter in our history.
• We now have a settlement for Status First Nations and Inuit, which represents a significant first step in resolving this historic injustice.
• We know that there are other claims that remain unresolved, including those of the Métis and non-Status.
• Canada is working with our partners toward a fair and lasting resolution for all those affected by this dark chapter in Canadian history.

Background

Following a series of negotiations presided over by Federal Court Justice Michel M.J. Shore, the parties reached an Agreement-in-Principle on August 30, 2017. The proposed agreement was finalized and signed by the parties on November 30, 2017.

The Sixties Scoop settlement agreement includes:

• $500-$750 million for individual compensation for Status Indian and Inuit survivors.
• Up to $50 million to establish a foundation – in collaboration with Indigenous communities and individuals – to support and provide access to education, healing and wellness, and commemoration activities for communities and individuals.
• Up to $75.0 million for legal fees.
• Third‑party administration costs.

In May 2018, the Federal Court of Canada approved the settlement as fair, reasonable, and in the best interest of the parties. The Federal Court also approved $37.5 million in legal fees for plaintiffs' counsel who appeared in Federal Court. In June 2018, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice approved the settlement agreement, with the exception of legal fees. In order to address the issues of legal fees in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the parties in both the Ontario and Federal Court actions signed an amendment to the settlement to clarify that the courts only had jurisdiction to approve the legal fees of counsel appearing before them. Subsequently, the Federal Court approved the settlement on July 27, 2019 and the Ontario Court of Justice on August 3, 2018. Legal fees were approved by the Ontario court on November 15, 2018.

December 1, 2018 marked the implementation of the settlement with the opening of the claims process, payment to the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation and legal fees. Compensation for valid claims will be made in January 2020.

Collectiva and its First Nations partners offered 55 information sessions across the country to support class members through the claims process.

On March 27, 2020 the Federal Court issued an order amending the settlement agreement to allow Canada to transfer $500M in compensation to the administrator. The Court further amended the settlement by allowing payments to be made to survivors once the approximately 4,767 applications have been fully and finally rejected. This will ensure that all class members received a minimum of $25,000. The original terms of the settlement required all claims to be processed before Canada could transfer compensation to the administrator and payments could be made to applicants with valid claims.

On June 1, 2020, the Federal Court issued an order amending its March 27, 2020 order to allow interim payments, of $21,000, to be made immediately to eligible class members. A similar motion is before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. Once granted, eligible class members can expect to receive payment in the coming weeks.

Payments began flowing to eligible class members on June 10, 2020.

Métis Litigation

Since the announcement of the settlement agreement, several new claims seeking compensation for Métis peoples impacted by the Sixties Scoop have been filed. The Department and the Métis National Council continue to share information and discuss options that could inform a future settlement of this litigation.

Vote # 10
6,000,000 dollars in the 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (A)

• Our government is committed to doing what is right and what is necessary to address the ongoing tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and LGBTQ and Two-Spirit people.
• We are committed to working together with all of our Indigenous, provincial, and territorial partners to drive transformative change to end systemic racism and violence against Indigenous women, girls, and LGBTQ and Two-Spirit people.
• This is why the 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (A) provided $6M ($30M over 5 years) in new funding to support Indigenous organizations to engage with their members, including families and survivors, on identifying priority Calls for Justice, determining how they want to be engaged in co-development, and identifying wise and promising practices for the development of the National Action Plan.
• This funding will also support the longer-term organizational, policy, and program capacity of national and regional Indigenous organizations and groups (including Indigenous LGBTQ2S groups) to engage with the federal government on the implementation of the Calls for Justice identified in the National Action Plan.
• The total cost associated with addressing the root causes of the violence will be better understood once the plan is developed.

Background

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, as the lead department, will coordinate the establishment of a National Action Plan that responds to the Calls for Justice. Indigenous organizations and groups will have the opportunity to participate in the co-development and initial implementation of the National Action Plan and to identify priorities within it.

Prior to COVID-19, work to develop the National Action Plan was well underway. Several Indigenous organizations received funding to engage their communities to identify priorities for inclusion in the National Action Plan for addressing violence against Indigenous women, girls, and LGBTQ2S. However, Indigenous-led engagement was interrupted due to COVID-19.

Despite the challenges caused by COVID-19, the MMIWG Secretariat is continuing to work with Indigenous, provincial and territorial partners to support the advancement of engagement, co-development and implementation of the National Action Plan.

Vote # 10
1,500,000 dollars in the Supplementary Estimates (A)

• The 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (A) provided $1.5 million in new funding to Continue Indigenous Consultation and Capacity Support Activities.
• The funds identified in Budget 2019 will support Indigenous partners' meaningful participation in Crown consultation processes through the continued implementation of consultation capacity measures, such as consultation protocols and resource centres.
• Specifically, funds will allow for implementation of 10 Consultation Protocols (involving 43 Indigenous communities and 15 Métis regions) and 5 Resource Centres (involving 74 Indigenous communities and 6 Métis regions).
• Funds will support a consultation environment with Indigenous peoples that is more predictable and that will provide direct capacity to support Indigenous communities' ability to participate meaningfully in federal consultation activities.

Key Messages

• The Government of Canada recognizes the hardships faced by the territorial business community in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The Northern Business Relief Fund (NBRF), administered by the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), is making available $15 million in short-term relief to help cover ongoing operational costs of small and medium-sized territorial businesses.
• Applications have been accepted since April 20th. As of June 3rd, Canada approved 230 applications totaling $7.7 million in funding to territorial recipients.
• In addition, the nearly $1 billion Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) will provide an additional $34.3 million in funding to Northerners, including larger businesses of up to 100 employees, non-profit organizations, and communities.
• This relief and recovery funding for territorial businesses complements the suite of relief measures implemented by the Government of Canada to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Canadian economy.
• These measures will help Northern businesses continue to play a vital role in Northern communities.
• The Government of Canada will continue to work with territorial and provincial governments and other partners to explore short-to medium term options to address other needs directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recovery.

Background

In recognition of the hardships currently faced by the territorial business community, the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CPC) is making available $15 million in funding towards direct support for ongoing operating costs incurred by territorial small- and medium-sized businesses, in order to help them continue to play their vital role in Northern communities. This relief funding for territorial businesses complements the suite of relief measures implemented by the Government of Canada to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Canadian economy.

The Government of Canada will continue to work with territorial and provincial governments and other partners to explore short-to medium term options to address other needs directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recovery.

Key Messages

• We recognize that mining is the economic backbone of northern communities and we support mining industry workers and their families.
• We are working hard to respond to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Wage assistance, emergency response payments, and small business relief aid is flowing to meet the critical needs of those who require it.
• The mining sector produces more than $3 billion in minerals annually and is the largest private sector employer and contributor to the gross domestic product in all three territories. The mining sector:
  • provides more than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs,
  • produces more than $3 billion in annual business spending, and
  • generates important tax and royalty revenues to public, Indigenous governments and Inuit organizations across all three territories.
• Mining is the largest private sector employer of Indigenous people in the North. In Nunavut, 97.5% of residents who work in the industry in the territory are Indigenous and in the Northwest Territories 52.5% of residents working in the industry are Indigenous.
• On May 11th, the Prime Minister announced the Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility to help large operators who are facing liquidity pressures due to the COVID crisis.
• The Government introduced legislation, included the Time Limits and Other Period Act (Bill C-17), that would enable the deferral of mining lease financial obligations for six months. This would help address explorers inability to access their properties due to COVID-19 restrictions.
• The Government is in discussion with partners from provinces, territories, Indigenous governments and industry. We will continue to adapt to the crisis and to prepare for the recovery that will follow, all to ensure that mining continues to support the social and economic development of Canada's North.

The need to expand the wage subsidy

• The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy supports employers that are hardest hit by the pandemic.
• Discussions are continuing to address the unique situations of northern communities and its residents.

Background

• Mining is the foundation of the economy in northern Canada, with operating mines and exploration in all regions and territories. The current COVID-19 crisis is severely affecting the northern mining sector, including the employment of over 1000 local Inuit employees.
• The mining sector is made up of three distinct sub-sectors with different structures. The largest sector is the operating mines. These have largely continued to function but with significant operational changes to allow for the application of COVID-19 health and safety measures. The supply sector relies on major mines and has been affected in the same manner as the operating mines. Lastly, the exploration sector has largely ceased its operations due to the pandemic and travel related constraints.
• Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and stay-at-home measures, the northern minerals industry is facing numerous immediate and mounting pressures that could affect its viability and security of mineral titles. The upcoming summer field work season is on hold due to the requirement for physical distancing and travel restrictions for non-residents.

Key Messages

• We launched the Framework with our partners in September 2019 and are now moving from co-development into co-implementation.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, our Government has worked with territorial, provincial and Indigenous partners to address immediate health and transportation priorities as well as food insecurity challenges.
• Canada provided $130 million in COVID-19 support to the territories to assist with pandemic preparation mitigation and response, continuity of air transportation services to northern communities, increased food subsidies, and support for local businesses.
• The Government continues to work with all partners to keep Northerners safe and healthy.

Climate Change

• Our Government has been very clear: climate change and its impacts are real.
• We are working with Northerners, industry, and territorial and provincial partners to find innovative and effective solutions that address unique challenges in a rapidly changing Arctic.
• Initiatives supporting the co-developed Arctic and Northern Policy Framework will benefit families, build vibrant communities, and grow sustainable economies in the face of these challenges.

Background

The Arctic and Northern Policy Framework (Framework) was launched on September 10th, 2019, following over two years of engagement and collaboration with Northerners and Canadians. It is the first major federal framework to be co-developed with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners. The co-development of the Framework was also supported by roundtable engagements held with Arctic and Northern residents, youth and key experts and stakeholders, including industry, academics and non-governmental organizations.

The Framework sets out a long-term, strategic vision that will guide the Government of Canada's activities and investments in the Arctic to 2030 and beyond and will better align Canada's national and international policy objectives with the priorities of Indigenous peoples and Arctic and Northern residents. The Framework currently includes the co-developed Arctic and Northern Policy Statement; chapters on foreign policy as well as safety, security and defense; and chapters authored by Indigenous and territorial partners. Additional partner chapters may be released at a later date.

The next phase of the Framework will focus on co-development of implementation and governance, moving towards more integrated federal-territorial-provincial and Indigenous approaches to challenges and opportunities in Canada's Arctic and North.

Key Messages

• Improving Inuit housing outcomes is a priority for our Government.
• Our Government is working with Inuit partners to implement the co-developed, distinctions‑based Inuit Nunangat Housing Strategy.
• Budget 2018 invested $400 million over 10 years for Inuit-led housing in Nunatsiavut, Nunavik and the Inuvialuit region.
• This funding and approach, premised on Inuit-led housing delivery, is a significant step towards addressing the housing needs in Inuit Nunangat.
  • For example, in Nunavik, since 2016, 240 units have been constructed and delivered and 54 units will be constructed for delivery in 2020.
  • For example, in Inuvik, design work and planning is currently underway for the development of a 27,000 square foot, 17 unit apartment building to provide affordable rental units to Inuvialuit.
  • For example, in Labrador, multi-unit complexes have been constructed to provide a home for parents whose children may have otherwise been taken into care without the provision of adequate housing. This innovative approach to the issues of children in care will maintain the family unit, keep children connected to their community and culture and prevent children from going into care.
• In addition, through Budget 2017, approximately $290 million over 10 years is being delivered to Nunavut through a bilateral agreement between the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the Nunavut Housing Corporation as part of the National Housing Strategy.
• We will continue working to close the unacceptable housing gap for Inuit.

Inuit Housing and COVID-19

• We recognize that many Inuit communities face unique challenges and that poor housing conditions can contribute to the spread of COVID-19.
• We anticipate that housing projects may experience delays and challenges due to access to critical trades and services.
• We are working with Indigenous partners, following the delivery of funding under the Indigenous Community Support Fund, to support important community-led initiatives to ensure Indigenous communities have the support they need during this critical time.

Background

CIRNAC has worked in partnership with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Inuit land claim governments and organizations, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Employment and Social Development Canada to develop the Inuit Nunangat Housing Strategy, which was made public on April 4, 2019. The Strategy is premised on self-determination with Inuit recipients holding the responsibility, decision making powers and capacity to meet housing needs at the regional level. Budget 2018 allocated $400 million over 10 years to support Inuit-led housing in the Inuit regions of Nunavik, Nunatsiavut and Inuvialuit, with an additional $289.6 million over 10 years for Nunavut from Budget 2017 through CMHC to the Government of Nunavut.

Examples of Inuit housing projects through direct CIRNAC investments:

• Nunatsiavut Government (Labrador)
  • Multi-unit complexes have been constructed to provide a home for parent(s) whose children may have otherwise been taken into care without the provision of adequate housing. This innovative approach to the issues of children in care will maintain the family unit, keep children connected to their community and culture and prevent children from coming into care through Department of Child, Seniors and Social Development. The long-term outcomes therefore include new housing in Nain and Hopedale where housing needs are greatest, a reduced number of children in care and support for parents to provide a stable, healthy home environment within their community and culture.
• Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (NWT)
  • In Inuvik, design work and planning is currently underway for the development of 27,000 square foot, 17 unit apartment building to provide affordable rental units to Inuvialuit in Inuvik. The project is expected to be completed in 2021 at a cost of $12.5M.
• Makivik Corporation (Nunavik, QC)
  • A new allocation of 54 units to be constructed for delivery in 2020 was made on September 12th, 2019 during a meeting held in Kuujjuaq. (Since 2016, 240 units have been constructed and delivered through Budgets 2016 and 2018 funding - $25M annually).

Key Messages

• We are committed to working with First Nations to improve water and wastewater infrastructure.
• Although responsibilities for water and wastewater have been fully transferred to the governments of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, federal funding is provided to First Nations in the Yukon to support their water and wastewater infrastructure.
• Currently, investments of $11 million are supporting 17 water and wastewater projects in the Yukon.
• There are no long-term drinking water advisories in effect on drinking water systems under federal responsibility in the North.
• The Government will continue to work in partnership with First Nations to ensure safe drinking water in the North.

Background

• In the Northwest Territories (NWT) and Nunavut, responsibilities for water have been transferred to the territorial governments, which are responsible for providing safe drinking water to all communities.
• Responsibilities for water have also been transferred to the Yukon Territorial Government; however there is still a federal role in the region, as both Self-Governing and Indian Act Bands in the Yukon (all 14 of the First Nations in the region) qualify for infrastructure program funding.
• In the NWT and Nunavut, the territorial governments monitor the drinking water quality of all systems. In the Yukon, the Yukon Environmental Health Services (YEHS) monitors drinking water quality for systems with 15 or more connections and any facility that provides food services to the public. The monitoring of community systems with less than 15 connections as well as grouped individual wells are the responsibility of individual owners and are managed by First Nations administrations as per the decision of the Yukon Government to delegate this responsibility.
• Currently, nine of the 25 drinking water systems managed by the Indian Act Bands and Self-Governing First Nations are regulated under the Yukon Drinking Water Regulations and monitored by YEHS.
• The remaining 16 systems (which either have fewer than 15 connections or service a community building), as well as the grouped individual wells managed by Yukon First Nations administrations, are not regulated or monitored by YEHS or any other branch of the Yukon Government. The Yukon Government defines these as small systems and delegates responsibility of their monitoring to the individual owners.
• The First Nations and Inuit Health Branch's Environmental Public Health Program, which provides services including community-based water quality monitoring, does not operate north of 60°.
• Community water systems in the Yukon receive funding from ISC's Capital Facilities and Maintenance Program for infrastructure and operation and maintenance, which is delivered by CIRNAC in the region.
• Despite sharing many of the same challenges that are faced by First Nation communities south of 60°, First Nation communities in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut have experienced comparatively fewer drinking water advisories due to several factors.
  • Source water quality is generally better in the North than in the South. Northern communities face fewer risks of contamination from pollution and agricultural run-off due to their distance from agricultural and urban hubs.
  • As well, the majority of communities in the North are serviced by trucked water rather than centralized systems due to their remote locations and small populations, meaning that there are fewer complex systems that can experience failures than in the South. Only 16% of all water systems in the NWT and Nunavut are piped distribution from a centralized system. Consequently, fewer advisories are issued as the result of distribution system malfunctions.

Key Messages

• The Meliadine Mine emergency water licence amendment was approved in order to help reduce the risk of an ecological catastrophe occurring at the site.
• We are aware that the Kivalliq Inuit Association has expressed concerns about the need for an emergency water licence amendment, the review process (especially amid the COVID-19 crisis), and its potential impacts to Meliadine Lake.
• While the process undertaken was not our preferred approach, the urgency and nature of the discharge, as well as the restrictions related to COVID-19 public health matters, required a different approach.
• Requests have been made of the Licensee to reach out to the community to ensure that they are kept informed and given the opportunity to express their concerns.

Background

The Meliadine Gold Project is located approximately 25 km north of Rankin Inlet, and 80 km southwest of Chesterfield Inlet in the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut. Agnico Eagle Mines Limited is the sole owner of the Meliadine Gold Project.

The upcoming freshet (May 2020) will result in the accumulation of site water at the Meliadine Mine that exceeds the water storage capacity of Containment Pond 1. Agnico Eagle Mines Limited is concerned that without a managed release of water during freshet into Meliadine Lake, the integrity of the dike will be compromised and result in an uncontrolled release into the environment.

On May 12, 2020, the Minister of Northern Affairs approved the recommendation from the Nunavut Water Board that the Minister of Northern Affairs:

• certify that an emergency exists under paragraph 152(1)(c) of the Nunavut Planning and Project Assessment Act, and that it is in the interest of protecting property and/or the environment that the project be carried out without delay;
• consent to the Nunavut Water Board's processing of the amendment application on an emergency basis as permitted by paragraph 52(2)(c) and subsection 55(5) of the Nunavut Waters and Nunavut Surface Rights Tribunal Act; and
• approve Amendment No. 1 to Agnico Eagle Mines Limited's existing type A Water Licence No: 2AM-MEL1631 on an emergency basis.

Throughout the process, the Kivalliq Inuit Association has expressed concerns about the need for an emergency water licence amendment, the review process (especially amid the COVID-19 crisis), and its potential impacts to Meliadine Lake.

The Nunavut Water Board and the federal Minister of Northern Affairs have encouraged Agnico Eagle Mines Limited to work with the Kivalliq Inuit Association to minimize impacts from the emergency water licence amendment and to communicate with the Hamlet of Rankin Inlet about their actions.

Key Messages

• Our Government is committed to the protection of the environment, as well as the development of economic opportunities for Northerners and Indigenous partners.
• We recognize that Caribou are vitally important to Nunavumiut.
• Nunavut has a robust resource management system stemming from the Nunavut Agreement and its enabling legislation.
• Caribou protection measures were included in the Whale Tail Pit Project Certificate terms and conditions and all parties will work to ensure these measures are properly implemented.

If pressed on responsibility for caribou management

• In general, the Government of Nunavut has authority for caribou management within the Territory. However CIRNAC is primarily responsible for enforcing the Whale Tail Project Certificate terms and conditions.

Background

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited's Whale Tail Pit Project is located in the Kivalliq region, approximately 150 kilometres north of the hamlet of Baker Lake and approximately 50 kilometres northwest of Meadowbank Gold Mine Project.

The original project involves the development of an open-pit gold mine and associated facilities at the property with ore hauled by truck to the existing infrastructure at the Meadowbank mine site for milling. Development of the pit is intended to allow for access to an estimated 8.3 million tonnes of ore.

The Whale Tail Pit expansion project proposed to develop an additional deposit with both open pit and underground mining operations and develop associated mining infrastructure. Agnico also plans to excavate a larger Whale Tail Pit than was additionally proposed and continued processing of ore at the Meadowbank site.

Minister Bennett approved the original project certificate in February 2018, and the expansion project was approved by Minister Vandal in January 2020.

The terms and conditions in the project certificate related to caribou protection measures notes that the Proponent shall work with the Government of Nunavut, the Baker Lake Hunters and Trappers Organization and the Kivalliq Inuit Association to develop and update thresholds to trigger the implementation of mitigation measures on both the All-Weather Access Road and Whale Tail Haul road, up to and including temporary road closures. The Proponent shall consider how these thresholds and mitigation measures reflect caribou life cycle sensitivities.

Key Messages

• Our Government supports a strong resource development sector that is sustainable, socially responsible and respects the environment.
• Departmental officials are working diligently to ensure that the Phase 2 review proceeds in a timely and thorough manner, while considering the health and safety requirements related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The department will continue to participate in the impact assessment process led by the Nunavut Impact Review Board, while ensuring the Crown's duty to consult is met.

If pressed on lay-offs

• The Government of Canada recognizes the social and economic importance of the Baffinland Iron Mines Mary River Project to Inuit and Northerners, and the benefits of ensuring all employees get back to work at the Mary River Mine.
• I am pleased that Baffinland has reinstated some of its Inuit contract workers. However, I realize that further steps are needed before a decision can be made on whether the Mary River Project can increase production.

If pressed on Consultation/Review Process

• During the impact assessment, engagement is carried out through the Nunavut Impact Review Board's process. Further, Baffinland is conducting additional engagement with Inuit organizations to resolve outstanding concerns.

Background

• Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation's Mary River Project is an iron ore mine located in the Qikiqtani Region of North Baffin Island. Initially approved in 2012, the mine has undergone a number of amendments to increase the project's viability. The most recent proposal, referred to as Phase 2, is seeking an increase in ore produced from 4.2 to 12 million tonnes per annum, transported by rail and shipped through a northern route at Milne Inlet.
• On November 6, 2019, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated requested an adjournment of the Nunavut Impact Review Board's final Phase 2 hearing for a period of up to 12 months. Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated cited deficiencies in the consultation with the Inuit of Nunavut and technical inadequacies with Baffinland's proposal.
• Following the hearing, Baffinland issued a notice that as of November 15, 2019, 96 Inuit and 490 non-Inuit Contractor employees would be negatively impacted by the demobilizing of works, an immediate cost cutting measure required due to the uncertainty of Phase 2.
• The Board scheduled new meetings for March 2020, with the hopes of resuming the hearings in May. These meetings were cancelled due to COVID-19. The Board planned to re-schedule and re-format the technical meetings via written submissions and teleconferences, however it was not able to identify feasible alternatives for in-person community meetings.
• On March 17, 2020, the Board said it would not be issuing a schedule for the technical teleconferences given the directions of health authorities, the numerous workplace closures, and the limitations to phone networks and internet access in Nunavut, which collectively would challenge the Parties' ability to participate effectively.
• On March 30, 2020, Baffinland asked Minister Vandal to adapt the environmental review process to ensure a conclusion of the Board process before the beginning of the next shipping season (late July 2020). The company wrote to the Board on April 14, 2020, requesting that the Board reinitiate Phase 2 Technical Meetings and the Pre-Hearing Conference by way of teleconference.
• The Board issued guidance on April 16, proposing how technical meetings could occur, and requested the Parties' comments on the proposal. Following numerous submissions from Inuit intervenors expressing reasons why the teleconferences should not proceed, the Board cancelled the meetings and encouraged parties to use the pause to continue working together to further the technical review aspects of the Board's assessment.
• The Board will revisit whether it is possible to modify existing processes to address the procedural fairness concerns of parties and to enable the technical review to proceed when the current travel restrictions in Nunavut are modified or if the current stay-at-home directives and restrictions on public gatherings are modified.
• Baffinland and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association are discussing a path forward. An Inuit Certainty Agreement is being negotiated between the two parties which will hopefully clarify a consensus on how to proceed. If all can agree on a path forward, the Crown consultation risk will be significantly reduced, and the resulting process should sufficiently deal with the significant outstanding issues.
• On October 1, 2018, Ministers LeBlanc and Bennett approved an increase until December 31, 2019, in the quantity of iron ore allowed to be transported by truck and shipped via Milne Inlet, from 4.2 million tonnes per annum to 6 million tonnes per annum. The temporary increase was to avoid a seasonal shutdown and job losses while the concurrent Phase 2 reconsideration process proceeded to completion.
• The Phase 2 review is delayed and the production increase approval expired. Baffinland asked that the project certificate again be modified, allowing for a resumption of increased production until December 31, 2020. The Board recommended on May 4, 2020 not only that the production increase be extended, but also that increased production be allowed for an additional year, to December 31, 2021. The proposed extension provides parties sufficient time to consider the Phase 2 proposal currently under review, while limiting the impacts that would come with further employee demobilization and the adverse socio-economic impacts associated with the return to the original production limits.
• On May 22, 2020, Minister Vandal approved the Production Increase Proposal extension, including varying two terms and conditions.

Key Messages

• The connectivity limitations in the North have long been raised, but COVID-19 has highlighted the connectivity gap and the important and far-reaching impacts.
• Many communities rely exclusively on satellite for access to internet services; they lack access to the fast, high quality and reliable telecommunications networks that people need to telework and to access on-line medicine or education.
• We know that we need to secure fast, reliable and affordable broadband connectivity for all across the North.
• Delivering high-speed internet to Northern communities will help business grow, create new jobs, and connect people to the resources, services and information they need to build a better future. This has never been more important than now as the economy begins to open and our attention turns to recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
• I support my colleagues across the government in their efforts to ensure that all Canadians have access to high-speed Internet.

If pressed on the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework

• "Fast, reliable, and affordable broadband for all" is one of the objectives of the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework.
• Phase II of the Framework will focus on governance and the co-development of plans to implement and make progress on the goals and objectives.
• The collaboration established through the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework will support our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background

The North has long-faced connectivity issues. Many communities still have slow internet connections and no cell phone service, and priority within networks must be kept for vital services such as telehealth. COVID-19 has increased the impact of the connectivity gap the North faces: In Nunavut, teachers were asked to print and disseminate lessons to primary school students because online schooling is not an option. Many people are unable to work from home, and where they can, are unable to do so to the full extent as those in the South. Northwest Territories Liberal MP Michael McLeod, for example, has had difficulties connecting to virtual Parliamentary meetings. Without adequate Internet, Northerners are unable to come together with family, friends or as a community, small businesses are not supported, and they do not have the same access to timely information.

The main department responsible for funding improvements in connectivity in the North is Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, but others include Infrastructure Canada, the Canada Infrastructure Bank, and Indigenous Services Canada. Key Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada programs are:

• Universal Broadband Fund – In Budget 2019, the government set a national target for 95 per cent of Canadian homes and businesses to have access to speeds of at least 50/10 Megabits per second (Mbps) by 2026 and 100 per cent by 2030, including in the North.
• Connect to Innovate – Announced in Budget 2016, Connect to Innovate is primarily focused on the construction of new backbone infrastructure (digital highways that move large amounts of data in and out of communities at high speeds) to connect institutions like schools, hospitals, First Nation band offices and libraries, and to improve residential and business Internet services. It is anticipated that many CTI projects will be completed and start coming online in 2020.
• CRTC Broadband Fund – In 2016, the CRTC established a fund of up to $750 million to help achieve universal access at speeds of 50/10 Mbps, as well as mobile coverage along major roads. The CRTC's fund is sourced from a levy on telecommunications service providers' revenues.
• Telesat LEO Satellites – The government has partnered with Telesat and invested up to $600 million to secure Low Earth Orbit satellite capacity over Canada to reach the most remote communities. These satellites will provide high-bandwith, low-latency broadband internet coverage to rural and remote regions of Canada, including the North.

Key Messages

• Northerners want long-term solutions that address regional priorities and support long-term northern economic recovery.
• The Inuit-led Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link project will bring clean, renewable and reliable energy to Nunavut's Kivalliq region and eliminate the use of at least 95 million litres of diesel annually.
• It will also deliver broadband connectivity to five Kivalliq communities and two operating mines, improving telecommunications and public service delivery for 7,500 residents in those communities.
• In February 2020, the Canada Infrastructure Bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding confirming it will work with the project partners in an advisory role to support the project.
• We are committed to working with the Kivalliq Inuit Association and partners to advance this important project.

Background

The Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link project feasibility study is nearing completion. The total project feasibility study cost is $2.4 million with the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency providing $1.6 million.

In early February 2020, the Canada Infrastructure Bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the proposed Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link project. The Canada Infrastructure Bank will collaborate in an advisory capacity with project partners on the planning and development stages of the project. The project partners are now moving forward with the regulatory and permitting phase of the project and are seeking financial support.

The Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link involves the construction of a new 1,200 km overhead hydroelectric transmission line between Manitoba and Nunavut that would serve five Kivalliq region communities and mining operations in this mineral-rich region. The Kivalliq Region lies to the west of Hudson's Bay and the population of the five communities is approximately 7,500 people, with Rankin Inlet and Arviat being the largest communities. Agnico Eagle gold mining operations would serve as the anchor client in the region.

The project would also deliver high-speed Internet via fibre optic cable to the region, helping to improve telecommunications for businesses and for public service delivery. The preliminary route calls for a 1,200 kilometre, approximately $1.6 billion project that will deliver power to Nunavut's crown utility, Qulliq Energy Corporation. Other routes and transmission configurations are being investigated.

The project would take five communities and one or more gold mines off diesel. The five communities use approximately 35 million litres of diesel per year. Gold mining operations at both Meadowbank Mine (near Baker Lake) and Meliadine Mine (near Rankin Inlet) use at least 60 million litres of diesel each year.