SEA Community Engagement Sessions Summary Report

Community Engagement Sessions Summary Report
April and May, 2017

for the NIRBs
Strategic Environmental Assessment in Baffin Bay and Davis Strait
Photo credit: NIRB Staff and Vincent Desrosiers
(NIRB File No. 17SN034)

Nunavut Impact Review Board
June 2017
1 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB or Board) would like to thank all those who participated in the recent
community engagement sessions held throughout the Qikiqtani region of Nunavut as part of the NIRBs Strategic
Environmental Assessment in Baffin Bay and Davis Strait (the SEA). These initial engagement sessions were an
important component of the NIRBs public engagement program for the SEA and served to provide the public
with information on the SEA process and next steps particularly detailing how the public can effectively
participate throughout the process and also enabled NIRB staff to receive valuable information to inform the
SEA process. The meetings were successful owing to the participation and assistance of local organizations,
community members, government and non-governmental agencies, as well as representatives of the SEA
working group: Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, the Qikiqtani Inuit
Association, and the Government of Nunavut.
The NIRB would like to thank the many Elders and community members who actively participated in the public
meetings, sharing their Inuit Qaujimaningit with the NIRB staff and other meeting participants, along with their
questions and comments about the SEA and offshore oil and gas exploration and development activities. The
NIRB would also like to thank the hamlet staff and council members as well as secondary students and teachers
who met with NIRB staff and the SEA working group prior to each engagement session to discuss the SEA and
how to become involved.
The NIRB would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the communities for the warm hospitality
offered to the NIRB staff and SEA working group during their recent visits.
Sincerely,
Ryan Barry
Executive Director
Nunavut Impact Review Board
Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ......................................................................... ii
1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................... 1
1.1 Outline of the NIRBs Strategic Environmental Assessment in Baffin Bay and Davis Strait .......................1
1.2 Objectives of the NIRBs Strategic Environmental Assessment Process ....................................................2
1.3 Brief File History .........................................................................................................................................3
2 NIRB community Engagement sessions.................................................. 3

2.1 Overview of Community Information Sessions ................................................................................................3
2.2 Setup of the NIRB Community Information Sessions .......................................................................................4
2.3 Meeting Materials ............................................................................................................................................4
2.4 Agenda and Venues for Community Information Sessions ..............................................................................4
2.5 Advertisements.................................................................................................................................................5
3 MEETING NOTES FROM THE NIRBs Community Engagement sessions ... 6

1.1 Clyde River ..................................................................................................................................................7
1.2 Arctic Bay ....................................................................................................................................................8
1.3 Resolute Bay .............................................................................................................................................11
1.4 Grise Fiord ................................................................................................................................................12
1.5 Pond Inlet .................................................................................................................................................14
1.6 Qikiqtarjuaq ..............................................................................................................................................17
1.7 Cape Dorset ..............................................................................................................................................19
1.8 Kimmirut ...................................................................................................................................................21
1.9 Iqaluit ........................................................................................................................................................23
1.10 Pangnirtung ..............................................................................................................................................24
4 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION ............................................................. 26

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1 INTRODUCTION
The Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB or Board) was established through Articles 10 and 12 of the Agreement
between the Inuit of the Nunavut Settlement Area and Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada (Nunavut
Agreement). The Board is mandated to protect and promote the existing and future well-being of the residents
and communities of the Nunavut Settlement Area (NSA), and to protect the ecosystemic integrity of the NSA
with respect to proposed development projects and activities this is done through the NIRBs environmental
impact assessment process. Pursuant to Section 12.2.4 of the Nunavut Agreement, the NIRB may carry out
other functions as identified in the Agreement and agreed to by a Designated Inuit Organization, the
Government of Canada, or the Government of Nunavut. On February 9, 2017 the NIRB received a referral from
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) to initiate a Strategic Environmental Assessment in Baffin Bay
and Davis Strait (the SEA) pursuant to Section 12.2.4 of the Nunavut Agreement.
The NIRB is responsible for coordinating the SEA, including considering previously-collected information and
Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, facilitating public engagement, and submitting a final report to the Minister of
Indigenous and Northern Affairs by March 2019. To ensure an effective SEA which results in a comprehensive
final report, the NIRB intends to continue working closely with INAC, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, the
Qikiqtani Inuit Association, and the Government of Nunavut regarding the focus of the SEA, as well as with other
government departments, industry, non-governmental organizations, potentially affected communities, and the
general public.
The following report summarizes the NIRBs initial public engagement sessions for the SEA that were held in
communities of the Qikiqtani region in April and May, 2017.
1.1 Outline of the NIRBs Strategic Environmental Assessment in Baffin

Bay and Davis Strai t
The focus of the Strategic Environmental Assessment in Baffin Bay and Davis Strait (the SEA) is to develop an
improved understanding of potential types of oil and gas related exploration and development activities that
could one day be proposed within the Canadian waters of Baffin Bay and Davis Strait, along with their associated
risks, benefits, and management strategies. The final report produced by the NIRB at the conclusion of the SEA
will be provided to the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs for consideration and will inform the five (5)-
year review of the Government of Canada decision to designate Canadian Arctic waters as off limits to future oil
and gas licences. The SEA will incorporate available scientific information, Inuit Qaujimaningit and other types of
traditional knowledge, and public feedback.
The SEA will consist of the following three (3) general phases:
Issues Scoping: The scope of the SEA will outline the factors to be considered within the assessment.
Through scoping activities the NIRB will determine the full range of possible offshore oil and gas
activities, physical, biological, and socio-economic components, and questions and concerns to consider
throughout the SEA.
Analyze Potential Development Scenarios: The various possible oil and gas development scenarios
(including a no development scenario) will be identified that could occur in Baffin Bay and Davis Strait
in combination with other ongoing or planned activities (e.g., development projects, fisheries,
conservation initiatives, traditional uses, etc.) within the context of the unique biophysical, socio-
economic, and regulatory environment of the area.
Develop Final SEA Report: During the final phase of the SEA, the NIRB will hold a final public meeting,
with opportunities for representatives of the 10 selected Qikiqtani communities to attend and share
their views and concerns with the Board. The Board will then prepare and distribute the Final SEA
Report to the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Development.
Throughout each phase of the SEA, the NIRB will schedule public engagement sessions in the communities
surrounding Baffin Bay and Davis Strait: Resolute Bay, Grise Fiord, Arctic Bay, Pond Inlet, Clyde River,
Qikiqtarjuaq, Pangnirtung, Iqaluit, Kimmirut, and Cape Dorset. Engagement is also planned to occur with
transboundary groups and organizations located outside the Nunavut Settlement Area, with the added objective
of learning lessons from other Arctic areas which have had experience with oil and gas development to date.
During the fall of 2017, public scoping sessions will be undertaken to provide opportunities for community
members to provide input into the final scope of the SEA and to share feedback and information to further
support the assessment.
The NIRB will report on the available information collected and considered as part of the SEA. Importantly, the
SEA design and facilitation will in no way compromise or impinge upon other ongoing or planned processes,
studies, or initiatives. Rather, information collected or produced, or information gaps identified through the
SEA, will increase the overall body of knowledge for the region and may have additional applications beyond the
design of this study.
All information received and pertaining to the NIRBs Strategic Environmental Assessment in Baffin Bay and
Davis Strait can be accessed from the NIRBs online public registry at www.nirb.ca by using any of the following
search criteria:
Project Name: Strategic Environmental Assessment in Baffin Bay and Davis Strait
NIRB File No.: 17SN034
Application No.: 125087
1.2 Objectives of the NIRBs Strategic Environmental Assessment

Process
The primary objectives of the SEA are to:
Provide an overview of the existing environment;
Describe historic oil and gas development activities within the area constituting the Nunavut
Settlement Area, Baffin Bay and Davis Strait;
Generally describe typical offshore oil and gas exploration and development activities;
Identify potential offshore oil and gas exploration and development scenarios that could occur in
Baffin Bay and Davis Strait, if the area were to be opened for oil and gas exploration and
development;
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Identify any species at risk and special areas that may interact with development activities;
Describe and evaluate potential environmental and socio-economic effects associated with offshore
oil and gas exploration and development, including potential adverse effects (e.g., disruption of
wildlife, interference with harvesting, accidental oil spills, etc.) and potential benefits (employment,
contracting opportunities, revenue, etc.);
Identify knowledge and data gaps;
Make recommendations for general mitigative measures that could be employed during any
potential offshore petroleum development activities in the region;
Identify, where appropriate, activities and/or areas that may require additional or enhanced levels
of mitigation, and identify, if feasible, the type and level of enhanced mitigation required;
Identify follow-up measures (e.g., environmental effects monitoring), as appropriate, that may be
required to verify environmental assessment predictions and/or the effectiveness of mitigation
related to future offshore petroleum exploration activities; and
Provide a final report with recommendations to assist Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada in
possible future considerations for potential issuance of exploration rights within the SEA Study
Area.
1.3 Brief File History

On February 9, 2017 the NIRB received a referral from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada to initiate the
SEA pursuant to Section 12.2.4 Nunavut Agreement. The Board distributed the referral and associated news
release to its Nunavut wide distribution list on February 10, 2017. On March 3, 2017 the NIRB distributed
correspondence to its distribution list outlining the next steps of the SEA and on March 23, 2017 the Board
announced that NIRB staff would be undertaking preliminary engagement sessions in the Qikiqtani region in
May and April, 2017.
2 NIRB COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS

2.1 Overview of Community Information Sessions
Between April 20, 2017 and May 15, 2017 the NIRB conducted public engagement sessions in the Qikiqtani
communities of Clyde River, Arctic Bay, Resolute Bay, Grise Fiord, Pond Inlet, Qikiqtarjuaq, Cape Dorset,
Kimmirut, Iqaluit, and Pangnirtung. Despite the NIRBs best efforts to plan the dates and route of these
engagement sessions around specific community events, some sessions occurred at the same time as other
community events. The scheduled meeting for April 25, 2017 in Pangnirtung was cancelled due to weather and
rescheduled for May 15, 2017.
The NIRB staff was joined by the following representatives of the SEA working group:
Clyde River, Arctic Bay, Resolute Bay, Grise Fiord (April 20-24, 2017)
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada: Daniel VanVliet and Darryl Roberts
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated: Miguel Chenier
Qikiqtani Inuit Association: Ross Elgin
Government of Nunavut: Annie Cyr-Parent, Amy Robinson, and Lou Kamermans

Pond Inlet, Qikiqtarjuaq, Cape Dorset, Kimmirut, Iqaluit, and Pangnirtung (May 9-15, 2017)
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada: Daniel VanVliet and Filip Petrovic
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated: Jorgan Aitaok
Qikiqtani Inuit Association: Ross Elgin
Government of Nunavut: Harry Maksagak and Erika Zell (present at all community sessions) and Lou
Kamermans (present at the community session in Pangnirtung)
2.2 Setup of the NIRB Community Information Sessions

During the afternoons, NIRB staff and representatives of the SEA working group divided into two (2) groups, with
one (1) group meeting briefly with hamlet staff and council to explain the purpose and steps of the SEA and the
other meeting with high school students to explain the purpose of the meetings as well as to provide an
overview of the respective organizations and potential employment opportunities. The evening community
engagement sessions were open to all members of the community and public; bannock, fish, and refreshments
were provided and door prizes were drawn at the conclusion of each session. All attendees were asked to sign
in at each meeting.
The NIRB presentation was delivered in English with simultaneous interpretation in Inuktitut provided. The
public was encouraged to provide comments and ask questions related to the SEA. Both written and verbal
comments provided during the public engagement sessions were recorded by the NIRB staff and the
representatives of the SEA working group.
2.3 Meeting Materials

The following printed materials were made available and/or provided to interested attendees of the public
engagement sessions:
NIRB PowerPoint presentation in English and Inuktitut
Strategic Environmental Assessment Process Map
Map of Area of Interest
Copies of advertisements and project specific correspondence
Brochure on petroleum resources in Nunavut (produced by the Government of Nunavut)
Nunavut Agreement
Nunavut Planning and Project Assessment Act
NIRB Sign-in Sheets
2.4 Agenda and Venues for Community Information Session s

The NIRB staff consulted with community organizations and considered travel requirements in determining the
timing of the community engagement sessions. The public meetings were held at 6:30 pm as follows:
Community Location Date
Clyde River Tuqqajaaq Hall April 20, 2017
Arctic Bay Community Hall April 21, 2017
Resolute Bay Community Hall April 22, 2017

Grise Fiord Recreation Hall April 24, 2017
Pangnirtung Community Hall April 25, 2017 rescheduled to May 15,
2017 due to weather
Pond Inlet Community Hall May 9, 2017
Qikiqtarjuaq Community Hall May 10, 2017
Cape Dorset Community Hall May 11, 2017
Kimmirut Akavak Centre May 12, 2017
Iqaluit Catholic Parish Hall May 13, 2017
2.5 Advertisements
Public notification is essential to effective public engagement and is a necessary prerequisite of the NIRBs
community information sessions. The NIRB informed the communities of the upcoming meetings through
various advertisements including print media, radio, and cable television. Copies of all advertisements are
available on the NIRB public registry.
Letters of Invitation
On March 23, 2017 the NIRB distributed correspondence to the hamlet offices and addressed to the Mayor of
each of the 10 Qikiqtani communities to provide notice and purpose of the NIRBs visits to communities.
Newspaper
Newspaper advertisements in English, Inuktitut, and French were printed in the Nunatsiaq News print
publication and published on the Nunatsiaq News online webpage for four (4) weeks prior to the
commencement of the NIRB community engagement sessions.
Cable
Cable advertisements in English and Inuktitut were aired on local co-op channels for two (2) weeks prior to the
scheduled meetings during the weeks of April 14 and May 5, 2017.
Radio
Public service announcements in English and Inuktitut were provided to the radio station in each of the ten
communities with requests to have the announcements read on-air twice a day, until the day of each NIRB
meeting.
Posters
Poster advertisements in English and Inuktitut were sent to hamlet offices and businesses in each community
prior to commencement of the public engagement sessions. These local community organizations were
requested to assist with the posting of the posters in public places in advance of the community information
sessions. When NIRB staff arrived in each community, poster placements were verified and additional posters
were placed in key business and community locations if they were not present (e.g., Co-op and Northern stores,
post office, hamlet offices, etc.).

3 MEETING NOTES FROM THE NIRBS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS
The following section includes summarized lists of comments and/or questions that were raised during each
community engagement session held in the Qikiqtani region for the Strategic Environmental Assessment in
Baffin Bay and Davis Strait (the SEA) or to NIRB staff or representatives of the SEA working group following each
session. These comments will be used to identify items that need to be addressed or considered throughout the
SEA and will be taken into account by the NIRB when creating the Draft Scope for the SEA. NIRB staff further
asked for input on the best months to hold scoping sessions during the fall to reduce foreseeable community
conflicts, particularly with regards to harvesting activities.
During the afternoon on the day of each community engagement session, NIRB staff and representatives of the
SEA working group met with hamlet staff and council members as well as secondary students. Comments and
questions received during these meetings related to the following themes:
Location, associated activities, and potential impacts related to oil and gas exploration and
development;
Potential benefits of oil and gas exploration and development activities to Nunavut, including
employment opportunities;
Community reliance on marine mammals;
Consideration in the SEA of marine mammals, fish, and people both within and outside of the
Nunavut Settlement Area;
Alternatives to oil and gas exploration and development activities;
Management plans and studies related to the SEA and oil and gas exploration and development
activities;
Spill response capabilities;
Naturally occurring oil seeps in Scott Inlet, Baffin Bay;
Federal five (5) year moratorium on oil and gas activities;
Need for a coordinated role with Inuit;
The Final Community Meeting for the SEA and community representatives;
Best time to hold the scoping meetings during the fall;
Cruise ships and impacts to the communities;
Climate change; and
Community consultation and capacity as well as language requirements for research licenses.
Please note that all comments from each community have been grouped under general headings that
correspond to topics discussed.

1.1 Clyde River
Meeting Notes
Date Time Attendance
April 20, 2017 6:30 10:00pm 29
Comments, Concerns, and Questions:

Ecosystemic
- Would seismic activities kill marine mammals?
- I would like to talk about the Scott Inlet seep; we have heard about it for many years. What is the
government doing about it?
Strategic Environmental Assessment
- Will the SEA report be made public?
- How will my input be used in the SEA process?
- Will there be training to participate in the SEA and is there a course or programs to find out about it?
- There are so many concerns I have about the Arctic and so many stories and components. It is between
Greenland and here that we hunt the animals and we know the sea ice very well. Can someone from
the NIRB help me to write down my concerns? I have a lot of knowledge of this area and I would like to
write a report for the NIRB. The work you are trying to do is very important.
- Some people discussed their experiences working for Panarctic Oils Ltd. and noted that they could
provide input and share their experiences for this study.
Other
- There were general concerns about government going ahead and making decisions unilaterally even
after the SEA concluded.

1.2 Arctic Bay
Meeting Notes
April 21, 2017 6:30 10:00 pm 20
Comments, Concerns, and Questions

Ecosystemic
- On television, I saw someone pour methane on ice. Where do methane leaks come from, under the lake
ice, underground, from meteors, or from pollution?
- Panarctic Oils Ltd. was exploring for gas and looking for oil and they were drilling; the holes were capped
when done. Before they start to drill and oil and gas is depleted, there should be studies on impacts to
marine mammals first. Some people from our communities worked at Panarctic Oils and need to be
consulted. There have been impacts on our climate and some islands near Resolute Bay.
- Our marine areas need to be protected; there are a lot of sea mammals where they want to drill. There
was one time the seismic survey scared us, as we didn't know about the impacts.
- I have seen impacts from oil and gas spills on television, for example, sea birds are impacted by oil spills
as their wings are covered in oil. We don't have emergency measures in place and we don't have
anything to clean shore birds. Please do oil and gas elsewhere; I am going to say no for 60 years.
- We need to know as Elders what the impacts will be on our sea mammals. Please inform our
communities as much as you can if there will be impacts to mammals. We need proper studies and
there have been other studies done and tests out at sea.
- Sometimes there are things that are left out there if they find oil and gas, such as equipment and
material. There could be impacts to rigs from ice due to currents in Bathurst Bay and Davis Strait.
Please ensure drill holes are capped. I remember one of the caps was set on fire. If there is a spill it
could spread to the environment. If there is oil and gas near sea ice, it could also impact the sea ice
where there are animals. If the sea ice is impacted, what will that mean for our harvesting areas? There
are plenty of fish that could be impacted.

- This current in Baffin Bay goes through the Pond Inlet area so it could impact the mammals. We went to
Devon Island and there is an abundance of sea mammals and polar bears.
- Oil spills are concerning:
o Can development occur although no technology exists to clean up an oil spill in ice-filled waters?
o Is there to be further studies on the effects of an oil spill in an Arctic setting?
o What kind of infrastructure and equipment is required to properly respond to an oil spill in
Nunavut?
o If development is to take place will Government invest in this infrastructure?
Socio-Economic
- I am in a working group that looks after parks and we were talking about historic and archaeological
sites; these should be identified so there are no impacts to them.
- I know a number of important hunting areas we are concerned with, including seals, beluga, muskox,
and polar bear (areas were pointed out on a map). How will our hunting areas be protected? We
cannot depend on food from the store since it is too expensive so we must rely on country food.
- It sounds like there is already a plan in place to develop oil and gas and I am not in favour. Animals are
like people and they become unhappy when their environment is impacted, for example, bearded seals.
The ocean is the animals and I predict that they will be impacted. How will we survive? The food in the
stores is expensive. Our livelihood comes partly from the sea.
- What are the benefits of oil and gas to communities? I know a little about it from working on Melville
Island.
- How will our input be used in SEA? The NIRB should consult with Inuit who have prior work experience
in the oil and gas industry.
- How will seismic surveying and Inuit knowledge and concerns be integrated into the SEA?
- Inuit in the Inuvialuit have much experience with oil and gas development in their region. Can their
experiences and best practices be shared with Inuit and incorporated into the SEA?
- How are transboundary considerations being accounted for?
- How does the SEA fit in with the Nunavut Land Use Plan?
- Clyde River has protested seismic testing. There will be a lot of information that will come from Inuit
Qaujimajatuqangit, and from what I see, we may not be too visible in an arena. For those of us that
grew up on the land we are afraid of what happened around the world. Different countries have been
impacted by natural and unnatural things. We have to think of the cost of transportation. We need to
be heard. We need help. We are the first people of the Arctic, but sometimes we seem to be in the way
when we dont want to see development occurring.
- The NIRB is going to be heading this SEA. The working group should be organized to follow Inuit
Qaujimajatuqangit.
- Before the decision is made to drill or not we need to be sure there is proper research done so we can
be informed, we need to be sure the impacts and surveys collected are used in the literature review, and
we don't want to leave anything out. I know it gets very cold when we go hunting. It's very difficult

when weather doesn't cooperate. When I worked for Panarctic Oils there were many drill holes capped.
Why were they depleted? It seems like they left it without telling us why they got capped. I don't see us
getting anywhere if there is not a proper plan in place. I'd like to see a plan in place to do this
assessment.
- Some of cannot use computers and it will be hard to keep up with the information as many of us Elders
do not use computers. I would prefer to get written information and many Elders not here tonight have
the same worry. If anyone comes to our community, please bring information and let us know how to
participate and how to ensure meaningful engagement.
- Why is Oceans North not involved? There should be professionals and experts in oceans involved.
Oil and Gas
- I worked with Panarctic Oils in my youth. I worked at Bent Horn and Ive seen platform oil rigs inside and
outside of Canada. I know the drill holes have been capped.
Other
- Sometimes when we call the NIRB we are put on hold or hear a recorded message. I want to be sure
that someone is there when we call.

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1.3 Resolute Bay
Meeting Notes
April 22, 2017 6:30 9:00 pm 24

Ecosystemic
- This is an exciting time and I am excited you have come. I am excited about this SEA but it may be too
late. Some animals have gone away from and some have never come too our hunting area. After
seismic surveying, people have witnessed dead animals. There are always positives and negatives. With
seismic surveys, sound travels and can affect and impact wildlife equilibrium, and their behaviors could
change as a result. Whales can't function without their navigation if I went to Ottawa and I fell, I
would lose my sense of place.
- We agree with some parts of the study. It's exciting we are working together. In the past, Inuit were
used and never told there would be impacts to our wildlife. After the Nunavut Agreement we are better
informed.
- Will you be undertaking studies in the sea?
- What types of studies and research will you do? How will these be different from seismic studies?
- What is scoping?
- We suggest you come back mid to late October as whale hunts usually occur in September.
Oil and Gas
- Why do you want to drill in the ocean? With Panarctic Oils Ltd. there was a lot of oil and there are a lot
of barrels left out there, for example, at Ray Point.

1.4 Grise Fiord
Meeting Notes
April 24, 2017 6:30 9:00 pm 20

Ecosystemic
- Which way do the currents go in Baffin Bay and Davis Strait, and can you clarify between surface
currents and those along the sea floor? I think the surface currents go north and those along the sea
floor go south; if there is a spill that would be a big concern for us. I think if there is a malfunction during
drilling or a spill in the sea, this would be an issue. There are icebergs in Baffin Bay and Davis Strait
which direction do they move? There is also a lot of driftwood in Baffin Bay and Davis Strait where are
these flowing from?
- As a result of climate change the ice is beginning to recede. How will the ice be monitored before,
during, and after oil and gas activities?
- I want to know the intensity of sound from seismic surveying and how it will affect animals. We do not
want deaf seals. Sometimes we catch a seal because the sound of rifles will stun it. I want to know how
far away until sound kills them. I want to know these things in more detail. Will the seismic activities
affect its hearing?
- What about when animals get disrupted from sound? Please come back with visuals, for example,
drilling in the ocean. We would like to see examples next time.
- As soon as we are in favor of seeing drilling or mineral exploration there will be impacts to everything. If
there is scarification on the land, there could be impacts to the root system to certain plants and those
could disappear as well as land and sea animals. There are questions about spills. We need to know
about the equipment that will be used for clean-up. We need to be aware of the negative
environmental impacts. If the moratorium is lifted in five (5) years, will there be the proper technology
to clean up spills? Safety and avoidance of negative impacts are paramount. We want people to work,
but we cant lose our food source and we need to be prepared. You need to have technology, research
needs to be done, and technology needs to advance. Industry needs to be prepared as well.
Socio-Economic
- Our shelves are often empty. We rely on our wildlife and until we have better access to store-bought
food our source of food needs to be protected. You need to protect country food sources. We rely on
the land and the water, and if we just look in the sea for oil and we aren't prepared for negative impacts
we will short-change ourselves.
- There are no real benefits to Inuit; there are few jobs and they dont last. Inuit dont get into
management positions; they only get the labour jobs and dont have decision-making responsibilities.
- We need someone from the community on the SEA distribution list. Is there a way to identify or employ
a representative from each community to be included on the distribution list and can they then explain
or notify their neighbours when activities are occurring? We need a point of contact for non-Inuit
Owned Lands because projects on Crown land also affect our wildlife.
- Why are we doing this study? The development will happen anyways. I dont believe in this process or
that Inuit will be listened to.
Oil and Gas
- I have not seen any seismic activities carried out. What type of material will the seismic surveyors use to
study the seabed? We want to know exactly what is being proposed and to understand every aspect of
the tools being used.
- Why are you looking for oil and gas underwater in the sea instead of on land? If there are no world
reserves left, can't we try the land first instead of the ocean? Is there more left on the land?
- There was drilling and seismic work conducted on Bathurst Island in the 1970s where we hunt caribou
and there has been a long term effect my grandson caught a sick caribou there last week and we think
that it could be from where they eat. How long will monitoring take place?
Other
- Who are the NIRB Board members?
- Are there any active assessments for the community of Arctic Bay to review?
- Can we add to our Inuit Owned Land parcels through the SEA?
- We always use our Elders - they are very wise. Thanks for coming, including all the young people that
are here.

1.5 Pond Inlet
Meeting Notes
May 9, 2017 6:30 10:00 pm 47

Ecosystemic
- I heard that an oil spill possibly happened near Clyde River seals and birds were impacted and ring
seals were shedding their fur. If an oil spill happens, would there be Inuit monitors?
- It is my assumption that because the ocean is so vast it would not be possible to clean up an oil spill.
- We always have concerns for marine mammals.
- I used to work in the High Arctic, and on more than one occasion we observed blowouts. We know for a
fact that an oil blowout can go on for days or weeks; we also know theyd have to do horizontal or
vertical drilling to stop the blow-outs. If there were to be a blowout in the ocean, what would happen?
- After the Deepwater Horizon incident, there was presence of methyl hydrates. Will this be looked at,
and where?
- We always have concerns about Lancaster Sound area. We dont want oil and gas development in that
region as there are lots of animals there.
Socio-Economic
- If an oil spill impacted us, would we be compensated and what would the compensation be? Pond Inlet
is already impacted by the Mary River Project, yet we have not received compensation. It takes forever
to receive financial assistance from the federal government some people die of starvation Elders
should be given special consideration.
- Will Inuit be hired for jobs? Will unemployed Inuit get more opportunities?
- Would Inuit receive equal pay?
- Will there be any job mentorships available?
- If oil and gas happens in the Arctic we want Inuit to be monitors.

- If an oil spill would occur all over the Baffin region what would Inuit do?
- Would they create a job in the Qikiqtani Inuit Association where people can report spills to?
- The ocean is very vast, the currents are always moving, and marine mammals may be impacted from oil
and gas. Women were having stomach aches, maybe after eating marine mammals? I am concerned
about the impacts to Inuit and marine mammals as a result of oil and gas.
- Before the SEA is completed, I would like to make a comment to Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and
the Qikiqtani Inuit Association. If oil and gas projects move ahead, I want to see a statement written
before any Inuit Impacts and Benefits Agreements are developed, so that Inuit are assured they will
benefit. I want this done before sampling or bulk sampling is done. There was some sampling work
done under Baffinland, but there were no benefits.
- Will Lancaster Sound be made a Marine Protected Area before the SEA goes ahead? Will information
from this process be used for the SEA?
- I have nothing against the NIRB, but section 15.4.1 of the Nunavut Agreement discusses the Nunavut
Marine Council and its role in marine management. Why is the NMC not leading the SEA?
- Sverdrup Basin should be included in the assessment.
- The presence of methyl hydrates should be included in the assessment.
- Seismic surveys have taken place in other countries, including Australia. It has been shown that there
are many negative effects on marine life due to high decibels used; it is proven, and well get the same
results here. I would like these reports from other countries to be shared with Inuit.
Oil and Gas
- There is oil and gas down south, not just in Nunavut.
- In the event that oil and gas exploration takes places, what happens? How likely is oil and gas
exploration to happen?
- I want to know more about the moratorium on oil and gas.
- If I remember correctly, there are 80 billion tonnes of gas in the Arctic.
- In the early 1970s, Panarctic Oils Ltd. explored in our region. Stacks that were left behind from Panarctic
Oils are very corrosive and corroding metal can still have an impact. What has Panarctic Oils reported to
the federal government about their project and can Inuit read these reports?
- There was an oil spill field study at Cape Hat in the early 1908s. We still cannot drink water from there.
Where is this report? Is it available to Inuit or the public? Why do we never see these reports to be
included in these assessments?
- Is the Shell agreement for oil and gas in Lancaster Sound still valid?
Other
- What have we learned from Clyde River and Greenpeaces fight against seismic surveying? What is the
next step for residents of Clyde River?
- All translations should be done locally so that the Elders understand. Dialects are different between
communities and it can be difficult for us to understand.

- Weve been hearing reports from the Baffinland Mary River Project that there is dust up to 50 miles on
either side of the road. Have you heard any reports on that?

1.6 Qikiqtarjuaq
Meeting Notes
May 10, 2017 6:30 9:00 pm 29

Ecosystemic
- I am concerned about drilling. Would drilling be in inshore or offshore areas, in summer or winter, and
how many months or years would it take? Will it impact our icebergs? We have concerns because of
the currents. Our land is different from the west. I am not concerned about animals because they
move.
- If the SEA will happen, I would like to see different species included and what kinds of animals and
species have been seen and for how long have they been here. There used to be research conducted on
hunters catches, for example, on the livers and kidneys. If any animals were caught, such as narwhales,
walrus, seals, and other species, maybe there could be research to assess their health and this could be
included in the SEA. I would also like to see research on whether populations are increasing or
decreasing.
- Our community is adjacent to the open water in Baffin Bay and we are available if there is an accident. I
would like to see a port built in each community in the assessment area. If something happens or if
theres a big accident, the port would really be beneficial. A port would also benefit the community and
fisheries.
- It would be dangerous if a spill were to occur around our community there are icebergs that go to the
fjords that would cause a catastrophe.
- As a community, we all know our wildlife. Our wildlife on ice, land, and sea are important, especially
narwhals. Narwhals go north after staying in Baffin Bay. Birds in our area are also important and there
are many different kinds. They are going north at this time and will come back here in August and
September. One of my concerns is our offshore turbot fisheries; we all know which parts they fish for
turbot. There are reports of other species in Baffin Bay and we see more and more bowhead whales in
our area and killer whale populations are growing. If we hear that some wildlife are at risk, we know
that theyre not because theyre always moving. Right now, the season that were in, we have bearded
and ring seal pups. There are concerns that if oil and gas takes place, people will be impacted.
Auyuittuq National Park is very close to us. Fisheries operate according to quotas and happen
throughout the year. Impacts can be very high and it seems like no one is listening to us. The Qikiqtani
Inuit Association has formed a committee within the community and I just wanted to inform the
community.
Socio-Economic
- If there is going to be exploration and a SEA, I would like to see an agreement between our community
and the government outlining roles and opportunities, including education, for Inuit beneficiaries within
the assessment or exploration.
- I have been here a long time. There are Greenlandic artifacts near our community they visited us for
thousands of years.
- Prime Minister Trudeau announced a five (5) year ban on oil and gas exploration, but just two (2) weeks
ago, the President of the United States said that the Atlantic Ocean would once again be open to oil and
gas. Does this include Baffin Bay?
- I do not like meetings where we do not get answers. I want immediate answers.
- People have come here for several years asking us the same questions and we kind of stayed back. It is a
plan that you are proposing and we are open to it.
- The best time to come back would be during the beginning of November as people are generally out
hunting and berry picking in late September and October.
Oil and Gas
- Greenland has been far ahead of Canada in terms of oil and gas activities.
Other
- I was the Qikiqtani Inuit Associations community representative for the National Energy Boards (NEB)
public meeting in our community two (2) years ago regarding the oil and gas exploration in Baffin Bay
and Davis Straight. The company met with the Hamlet and the Hunters and Trappers Organization to
explain how their seismic work might happen. When they had a meeting, they told us they were going
to work with us, the communities, and the NEB said exploration wouldnt start within 10 to 20 years, but
we all know about what happened with the project near Clyde River. We were told there would be a
committee formed in each community to keep informing their communities about exploration or seismic
surveying. We were told we were going to get reports back in two (2) years. If communities have
comments, they still have time to do so. They can share their comments with the committee formed by
the Qikiqtani Inuit Association. If we see that this will benefit the community we can work on this SEA. I
just want to inform the community.

1.7 Cape Dorset
Meeting Notes
May 11, 2017 6:30 9:00 pm 19

Ecosystemic
- Looking at the map of the study area for the SEA, beluga whales and eider ducks are coming in from the
east, from Baffin Bay and Davis Strait, and spend their summers here. Anything that happens in Baffin
Bay and Davis Strait will affect Kimmirut, here in Cape Dorset, and west of us.
- We have an abundance of ice, and sometimes multi-year ice. When would drilling occur, would it occur
during summer or winter?
- I am concerned about polar bears, biodiversity, and predator-prey relationships everything is
integrated. Eventually we eat what we catch and there may be impacts to everything in the lifecycle.
- How did past oil and gas exploration impact animals? How much impacts will there be on wildlife?
Socio-Economic
- From what I understand, we hear from a lot of Elders that we should look for ways to grow the economy
and that we should be open to development, as long as there are no accidents or malfunctions. I heard
that the Prime Minister announced the five (5) year moratorium. We need a strategic development
plan.
- Will people in Greenland be notified of this assessment? I am concerned that our neighbours wont like
this strategic plan. There is a lot to consider, for example, there are many icebergs and the risk of
accidents is high. Wed like more information from the Greenlanders.
- Our government and Prime Minister said there is a moratorium on oil and gas. We need to see a
strategic plan before the end of the moratorium.
- What is the strategy or plan for the SEA and what type of research will be undertaken? What kind of
seismic activities will be conducted?

Oil and gas
- We know that oil and natural gas is occurring near here. If oil and gas were found in the region, where
would drilling rigs be, where would it be transported, and where would shipping take place?
- If they were to find oil and gas, would they be drilling or blasting?
- Can new types of technology be used, such as satellite imagery, to determine where oil and gas is,
instead of drilling?

1.8 Kimmirut
Meeting Notes
May 12, 2017 6:30 9:00 pm 43

Ecosystemic
- Do you know which way the ocean currents move?
- If there are any accidents, would the impacts affect icebergs?
- We all like oil and gas because it provides us with heat. But looking at the map, in the highlighted study
area for the SEA, is where we fish. It is not favourable to some of us that there is natural oil seepage,
which is also in this area. We can make a living on selling fish and I know that fish, whales, seals, and
any marine mammals could be impacted. I think oil and gas development is the future. We have to
prepare the future generation. Id like to discuss action. We have no proper equipment or emergency
measures in place. We need to ensure we have people ready if there were to be an accident. This inlet,
before it became a community, had a lot of seals. After the community was made, all the seals went
away. I know that the seals and the turbot will be impacted. We need to make sure there are mitigation
measures in place.
- If there is a spill, it would take one (1) week for a clean-up crew to show up and marine mammals would
be dead by then. We would need assurance of some kind of compensation for our local food.
- When seismic surveying was done in the past, communities stated that wildlife was changing their
migration routes after seismic activity. If a spill were to occur, theres no emergency response plan in
place and it would disrupt migration routes for birds and whales. Why dont they use natural oil seeps
to practice and test emergency response measures?
- If marine mammals die, where would they be disposed?
- During seismic surveys, could they videotape the seafloor before, during, and after to see if there are
any effects on benthic communities, fish, and marine mammals to see how the food chain would be
affected?
- If an oil spill occurs, is there an emergency response plan or equipment available for the communities?

- Are the natural oil seeps reaching the land and impacting our wildlife?
- If a spill occurred during winter, how would oil be cleaned up under the ice?
- We want a larger airstrip; it would help with emergency response so we could potentially help with
cleanups. We dont want to see impacts to the surrounding area. I feel like the government looks down
on us, like we are insignificant.
- We hunt polar bears. If they get affected, we get affected.
Socio-Economic
- If an oil spill happens, would the company be held responsible, or would we have to pay for it?
- Would there be impacts from oil and gas to things we eat from the sea, such as clams, mussels, and
oysters? They help us to stay healthy and are a source of nutrients.
- We have a very small airstrip and the food thats transported here is very expensive to purchase. If the
seafood is impacted it would have a big impact on us.
- I would like to see considerations around employment, such as marine monitoring from a ship, not just
discussions around risks.
- The best time to hold meetings in the fall would be in October or November.
Oil and Gas
- Is there a lot of methane gas being released around Baffin Bay and Davis Strait?
- I am a proponent of oil and gas.
- How loud are seismic surveys in decibels and would there be a certain area of sound shock?
- If oil and gas activities are allowed, how much of the area would be used for oil and gas and how much
would be opened to ships? Where would the shipping routes be and where would the area for seismic
surveying be?
- I read an article in Nunatsiaq News regarding seismic surveying. How far from Qikiqtarjuaq would
seismic surveying be? Would sonar surveys be used? Where would the shipping routes be if
development takes place?
- The price of oil is very low right now. It is unlikely in the next few decades that well see oil exploration if
the prices stay this low. If the oil prices go up, oil exploration will happen in Baffin Bay and Davis Strait.
If there happens to be oil and gas exploration, can fracking be outlawed in our territory?
Other
- While we can see the papers on the wall listing community questions and concerns from the previous
engagement sessions, these were not translated into Inuktitut.

1.9 Iqaluit
Meeting Notes
May 13, 2017 6:30 7:30 pm 0
No community members attended the meeting and it was cancelled at 7:30 pm. As the meeting was held at the
Catholic Parish Hall and there is also an Anglican Parish Hall in Iqaluit, a note and poster of the evening session
was taped to the door of the latter clarifying the venue. Staff also stood outside the Anglican Parish Hall to
direct people if needed and a message was added to an Iqaluit community Facebook page on the evening of
May 13, 2017 reminding people of the community engagement session and noting the location.

1.10 Pangnirtung
Meeting Notes
May 14, 2017 6:30 9:00 pm 25

Ecosystemic
- I am concerned about the animals; they do not stay in one area. Will there be some kind of protection
for animals if oil and gas activities take place in Baffin Bay or Cumberland Sound? Will there be any
studies done?
- I hunt walruses all the way to the mouth of Cumberland Sound and have noticed that their distribution
patterns have changed.
Socio-Economic
- There are so many animals out there, including seals and polar bears. How will we be able to hunt if
there is a study going on in Davis Strait? There was a study in Qikiqtarjuaq before and the food and gas
prices went up really high at the time.
- I have no concerns with what was said tonight. Oil and gas helps us in the communities as it provides
transportation and helps us to buy our food. I am not worried about the plan. I am worried that oil and
gas will be more helpful to people around the world. Resources can be extracted and this will help
people around the world. We need jobs and employment. We need to think ahead. The government is
giving us the opportunity to work.
- If this SEA is going to go ahead I would like our people to have employment opportunities.
- In Article 6 of the Nunavut Agreement it says that if animals or Inuit are impacted, then Inuit have to be
notified. If this study would affect the animals and people, will we work with an Inuit Impacts and
Benefits Agreement or would affected Inuit be compensated?
- I am happy this study is going on as weve been hearing about if for a while.

- Many of us dont own computers and we cant access information from your on-line public registry. I
am glad you were able to give alternate contact information. There are a lot of us who dont speak
English and were not technically savvy.
- Can you send us the information before you come and let us know ahead of time when you are coming?
- Would seismic surveying take place in Cumberland Sound?
- Is Greenland conducting a similar assessment?
- You posted some papers with questions from other communities on the wall. Next time you come, can
you provide answers to these questions?
- I would like to see Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit incorporated into the study.
- Pond Inlet, Clyde River, Resolute Bay, and Qikiqtarjuaq are far away. They are more in the waters of
Baffin Bay, whereas we are in Cumberland Sound. We want to make sure that we support each other.
- November would be a good time for your next visit.
Oil and Gas
- I have a concern about Baffin Bay and Davis Strait being opened up to oil and gas. We hunt marine
mammals. If I had my way I would be against exploration. I would be disappointed if the moratorium
was lifted.
- I have concerns about seismic survey activities. How is seismic surveying done; do they use explosives or
just sound? Is it dangerous for animals? Would it be cheaper to use oil and gas? Next time you come,
could you provide more information on seismic surveys? I dont know if theyre dangerous. Im not
against it; Im just raising my concerns. I know sometimes we tend to go against it. If there could be a
presentation or a video on how its going to happen, maybe Id have a better understanding of how
seismic surveys work.
Other
- When will the Clyde River ruling come out?
- When an activity is in international waters, but still impacts Inuit, how does wildlife compensation under
Article 6 work?
- Im glad you came to our community and we got to see different organizations and seeing the different
effects and animals.

4 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
Community members provided their comments on a variety of topics of concern at the community engagement
sessions for the Strategic Environmental Assessment in Baffin Bay and Davis Strait (the SEA). Comments and
questions generally focused on:
offshore oil and gas exploration and development activities;
potential impacts from activities, specifically seismic activities, to the natural environment (including
marine mammals and fish) and to the socio-economic environment (including employment
opportunities, Inuit traditional activities, and food security);
Jurisdiction and responsibilities of government and Regional Inuit Associations;
Spill response; and
Inuit participation in the SEA and use of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
All comments raised during the meetings have been included in this report for broader publication, and may
assist the NIRB in identifying items to be addressed during the SEA. This report will be translated into Inuktitut
and French electronic copies will be posted on the NIRBs online public registry and hard copies will be mailed
to each of the 10 communities visited. The NIRB will use the information provided by community members
during the engagement sessions to develop a draft scoping list of factors to be considered in the SEA going
forward, which will be released for public comment. During the fall, NIRB staff and the SEA working group will
hold scoping sessions in each of the 10 communities in the Qikiqtani region. The focus of these meetings will be
to work with members of the public and interested parties to identify factors to be included in the SEA and to
specifically identify components of the ecosystem and of communities that should be highlighted. During these
sessions staff will further work to address any outstanding comments and questions raised during these initial
engagement sessions.


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Community Engagement Sessions Summary Report

April and May, 2017

Photo credit: NIRB Staff and Vincent Desrosiers

(NIRB File No. 17SN034)

Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB)

2 NIRB community Engagement sessions.................................................. 3

3 MEETING NOTES FROM THE NIRBs Community Engagement sessions ... 6

4 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION ............................................................. 26

Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB)

1.1 Outline of the NIRBs Strategic Environmental Assessment in Baffin

1.2 Objectives of the NIRBs Strategic Environmental Assessment

1.3 Brief File History

2 NIRB COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS

Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB)

2.2 Setup of the NIRB Community Information Sessions

2.3 Meeting Materials

2.4 Agenda and Venues for Community Information Session s

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Comments, Concerns, and Questions:

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