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NLIS 1 October 11, 2002 (Environment) (Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs) Voisey�s Bay Environmental Management Board announced The members of the Environmental Management Board for the Voisey�s Bay Mine and Mill Project have been announced. This board will operate under the Environmental Management Agreement with the Innu and Inuit in Labrador and the federal and provincial governments. The Voisey�s Bay Environmental Management Agreement (EMA) was signed by the governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador, the Innu Nation and the Labrador Inuit Association. Its purpose is to provide effective, responsible, and coordinated environmental management by establishing an advisory board to report to the parties in accordance with the Environmental Management Agreement. "The board provides advice on all permit applications, such as the mining lease, mill construction and operation, culvert and bridge construction, and rehabilitation and closure plans," said Environment Minister Kevin Aylward. "The board also reviews other requirements of the Voisey�s Bay Undertaking Order, which set the terms for releasing the Voisey�s Bay project from the environmental assessment process. These include environmental performance and protection plans, the delivery of socio-economic benefits, marine transportation issues and other aspects of the undertaking. In the event of changes or additions to the undertaking, the board would provide advice with respect to the necessity for any further environmental assessment." Minister of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs Ernie McLean added that the board will give full consideration to Aboriginal knowledge, scientific information and precautionary principles in carrying out its responsibilities. "This board will play a very important role in the overall development of Voisey�s Bay by ensuring all parties are directly involved in the environmental management of the project," he said. "I am confident in the board�s ability to carry out its mandate, and look forward to their active participation in the overall project." The federal government, the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Labrador Inuit Association and the Innu Nation have negotiated for more than three years to reach this agreement. "The Environmental Management Agreement is an excellent example of integrated management and recognizes the need for full consultation with the LIA and the Innu Nation prior to government decision-making," said Robert G. Thibault, federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. "The Innu Nation is pleased to be part of this innovative environmental management partnership for the Voisey's Bay project. Through the Environmental Management Agreement, Innu Nation has the opportunity to participate directly in the regulatory process for the project, and through our board members, to bring Innu knowledge and perspectives to the table," said Innu Nation president Peter Penashue. "I am pleased with the appointment of Donald Lampe and Keith Chaulk of the Labrador Inuit Association to the Environmental Management Board for the Voisey�s Bay project," said LIA president William Barbour. "We are satisfied with the way the Voisey�s Bay project is proceeding. The agreement with INCO and the Voisey�s Bay Nickel Company is a good one, and we are generally pleased with the way it is being implemented. This is another example of how the Impacts Benefit Agreement will work well for the Labrador Inuit as the project proceeds." The advisory board consists of two representatives from each of the four parties, plus an independent chair. The board chair is Bill Flowers, manager of treaties, claims and self-government with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. A native of Rigolet, Mr. Flowers had an extensive public service career in Labrador prior to completing a law degree at Dalhousie University and assuming his current duties with INAC. "The constitution of this board is a reflection of the goodwill and partnership that has developed between the four jurisdictions on the Voisey�s Bay project," said Mr. Flowers. "I feel honoured to be entrusted with the position as chair, and I look forward to the challenges ahead as we carry out our mandate." The board members include: Donald Lampe and Keith Chaulk, Labrador Inuit Association; Ben Andrew and Sebastian Piwas, Innu Nation; Brian Power, Environment Canada; Ray Finn, Fisheries and Oceans Canada; Allister Taylor, Department of Mines and Energy; Ken Dominie, Department of Environment; and Bill Flowers, independent chairperson. The board will be supported by a secretariat, to be located in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and assisted by a Technical Environmental Review Committee (TERC) made up of technical experts who will take on an advisory role. The first five years of the agreement will be financed by the provincial and federal governments. The board will have an annual budget of $450,000. Media contact:
2002 10 11 9:35 a.m. |
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