Mandate

The Nunavik Marine Region Impact Review Board was established as an Institution of Public Government upon signing and ratification of the Nunavik Inuit Land Claims Agreement (NILCA). Responsibility for the operation of the NMRIRB shall vest in the members of NMRIRB.

Using both traditional knowledge and recognized scientific methods, the NMRIRB assesses the potential biophysical and socio-economic impact of project proposals relating to development in the Nunavik Marine Region (NMR) and will make recommendations about which projects may proceed. The Board may also establish monitoring programs for projects that have been assessed and approved to proceed.

The primary functions of the NMRIRB shall be:

1. To screen project proposals in order to determine whether or not a review is required;
2. To gauge and define the extent of the regional impacts of a project, such definition to be taken into account by the Minister in making his or her determination as to the regional interest;
3. To review the ecosystemic and socio-economic impacts of project proposals;
4. To determine, on the basis of its review, whether project proposals should proceed, and if so, under what terms and conditions, and then report the determination to the Minister; in addition, NMRIRB’s determination with respect to socio-economic impacts unrelated to ecosystemic impacts shall be treated as recommendations to the Minister; and
5. To monitor projects in accordance with the provisions of Part 7 of the Nunavik Inuit Land Claims Agreement