Federal Northern Affairs Minister Dan Vandal rejected Baffinland’s Phase 2 expansion proposal on Wednesday evening, deciding to accept the Nunavut Impact Review Board’s (NIRB) recommendation that the project should not proceed at this time.
A full copy of the Minister’s decision can be found HERE.
Following the verdict, IUOE Local 793 emailed working members at Baffinland to say that the Union is very disappointed with the government’s decision and their clear failure to recognize the significant economic consequences of rejecting Phase 2. The email also inform members that the Union will continue to work hard on their behalf and meet with Baffinland to ensure long-term job security and prosperity at the mine.
During the last critical days before the federal government issued its decision, Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher sent a letter to the federal government emphasizing the key point that “[Workers] value their good jobs and the immense opportunity that exists with your approval of Baffinland’s Phase 2 Expansion Project.”
A Local 793 produced video was also sent to the government, emphasizing the important message that “Good Jobs Matter” at the mine, especially during times of high inflation and challenging economic times as Canada is currently experiencing.
CLICK HERE to watch the video.