Nunavummiut surprised at change in Baffinland plans

Some people in the Baffin region are wondering what will happen now that Baffinland Iron Mines announced a change of plans for its Mary River mine in Nunavut.

Last week, the company said it wants to scale back output by about 80 per cent for the first three years.

"It was a little bit of a surprise," said Colin Saunders, the economic development officer for Pond Inlet, Nunavut.

Saunders said Baffinland has already provided jobs, contracts and opportunities for people in the community and is still the biggest thing likely to happen in the region in his lifetime.

"There are a lot of people within the community that are remaining optimistic that this moves forward."

Okalik Eegeesiak, the president of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association said she was also surprised at the news. But she said she sees a positive side to the change.

"Maybe a little bit of a relief that the project will be slower, that it won't be as big as what they'd hoped from the beginning," she said.

Eegeesiak said the new plans won't affect the Inuit Impacts and benefits agreement, a document which has yet to be signed.

Eegeesiak said the QIA will still work to get the best deal for Baffin Inuit. She also added that the announcement shows Baffinland is still committed to the massive Mary River project.

"Given the market situation, they could have decided to scrap it or postpone it for several years."