Nunavut premier stands by stance on Baffinland

Premier Peter Taptuna is standing by a letter he sent to Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister Bernard Valcourt supporting Baffinland Iron Mine's request to have the latest version of its project proposal assessed by the Nunavut Impact Review Board, bypassing the Nunavut Planning commission.

"I gotta ensure the best interests of Nunavummiut," Taptuna said. "I am the premier, indicating that our mandate is economic development and employment."

Baffinland is proposing to ship iron ore year 10 months out of the year from North Baffin Island to Europe — something the Nunavut Planning Commission says does not fit into the current land use plan for the area.

Baffinland has asked Valcourt to bypass the Nunavut Planning Commission and send its project proposal directly to the Nunavut Impact Review Board, something Taptuna supports.

"If a regulatory body cannot function and carry out their mandate and do the job that's required of them, usually there's a no-go for any kind of development at all," Taptuna said.

The premier said he doesn't usually get involved in the regulatory process, but in this case, he spoke out because of concerns about future jobs for young people.

The chair of the Nunavut Planning Commission, Hunter Tootoo, was surprised at the premier's letter and said he would be seeking a meeting with the premier. He said the Premier's letter to Valcourt contains "misinformation".

Taptuna wouldn't say whether he consulted with cabinet before sending the letter. He only said that letters he puts out usually present a government position.

There's no timeline on when the federal minister will decide whether to grant Baffinland a special exemption.