Nunavut flips stance on caribou protection again, now supports development ban on calving grounds

The government of Nunavut has once again flipped its position on resource development on caribou calving grounds.

In a submission to the Nunavut Planning Commission (NPC) on the 2021 draft Nunavut land use plan, the territorial government now supports a "prohibition of development within calving grounds and key access corridors, with seasonal restrictions on activities in post-calving grounds."

"The recommendations supersede previous recommendations and are to be taken as the GN [Government of Nunavut] position on the matter until otherwise amended," the document reads.

The major policy reversal comes on the heels of the NPC's fifth and final public hearings on the land use plan, where stakeholders and community members stressed the need for protecting calving grounds.

"It was important as a government that we base our position on the concerns and suggestions that are brought forward at those public hearings," said Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok, who attended several days of hearings, listening to testimony.

"So that was really the basis of the shift in position."

The government last switched its stance in 2016, where it went from wanting to ban development on caribou calving grounds, to reviewing proposed developments on a case-by-case basis. The controversial decision came only four days ahead of an NPC workshop on caribou, in a manner where the environment department's views were suppressed in material presented to cabinet which informed the decision.

"I think we've all talked about how important mining plays in our communities. It provides so much in terms of employment opportunities, contracting opportunities," Akeeagok said, referring to the government's Katujjiluta mandate.

"From the viewpoint of our government, we've been really clear that we support both areas. And with that in mind, the submission as a government, there's a lot of things we consider."

The new position does leave the door open to development on post-calving grounds, migratory routes and sea ice crossings — for which the government is proposing seasonal restrictions.

"Calving grounds [are] very important for the caribou," said Jimmy Ullikatalik, the manager of the Spence Bay Hunters and Trappers Association in Taloyoak, who welcomed the government's new position.

"We always said that we're not farmers. We're hunters and gatherers. So we need caribou and wildlife. That's our livelihood and our way of life. We need to protect our livestock."

Earl Evans, the chair of the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board, added his group isn't opposed to development in the territory, provided it be done "in a safe respectable way."

He said the GN's change in position will have a "tremendous impact" considering the government's clout on the land use plan.