Our Mandate
Photo by Felix Willie
The Nunavik Marine Region Planning Commission is mandated to establish planning policies, priorities and objectives for the NMR, and to develop and implement a marine use plan. Once a draft plan is complete, the NMRPC consults the public on the plan and determines if project proposals in the NMR are in conformity with the marine use plan. Policy development and implementation is a very important part of the NMRPC work. Documenting the governance structure, operational policies, communications plans and implementation guides is a vital part of the NMRPC being able to deliver its mandate.
The NILCA uses the word “land” throughout and notes in section 6.1.1 that “land” includes water, resources and wildlife. To bring clarity to the operations of a marine-focused organization working in a marine jurisdiction, the NMRPC is using the term “marine” in all its documentation, including any plans, policies or strategies related to the Nunavik Marine Region. It is implied that this includes water, resources, shore, wildlife and islands within the NMR. It also includes the space above the water and lands in the NMR as the NMRPC also reviews projects and activities that occur in the air space of the NMR insofar as it affects the environment or wildlife of the NMR.
The NMRPC has three major responsibilities:
- Establish planning policies, priorities and objectives for the NMR in conjunction with Government.
- Develop, consistent with other provisions of this Article, land-use plans that guide and direct resource use and development in the NMR.
- Generally, fulfill the objectives of the NILCA in the manner described and in accordance with the general principles mentioned in Section 6.2.1 of the NILCA, as well as such additional functions as may be agreed upon from time to time by Government and Makivik or a Makivik Designated Organization (MDO).
Our Objectives:
The objectives of the planning process are to develop planning policies, priorities and objectives regarding the conservation, development, management and use of the marine environment within the NMR and to ultimately prepare marine use plans which guide and direct resource use and development in the NMR and, subsequently, the implementation of the marine use plans.
Principles:
The following principles (NILCA 6.2.1) shall guide the development of planning policies, priorities, and objectives:
- People are part of a dynamic, biophysical environment and marine environment use cannot be planned and managed without reference to the human community accordingly. Social, cultural and economic endeavours of the human community must be central to marine use planning and implementation.
- The primary purpose of marine use planning in the NMR shall be to protect and promote the existing and future well-being of those persons and communities resident in or using the NMR, taking into account the interests of all Canadians. Special attention shall be devoted to protecting and promoting the existing and future well-being of Nunavik Inuit and Nunavik Inuit Marine Lands.
- The public planning process shall provide an opportunity for the active and informed participation and support of the Nunavik Inuit and other residents or users affected by the marine use plans. Such participation shall be promoted through various means, including ready access to all relevant materials, appropriate and realistic schedules, recruitment and training of local Nunavik Inuit and other local residents and users to participate in comprehensive marine use planning.
- Plans shall provide for the conservation, development and utilization of marine areas.
- The planning process shall be systematic and integrated with all other planning processes and operations, including the impact review process contained in NILCA.
- An effective marine use planning process requires the active participation of both Government and Nunavik Inuit.
Key Factors:
In developing planning policies and objectives, the NMRPC considers the following factors:
- Economic opportunities and needs
- Community infrastructural requirements, including housing, health, education and other social services, as well as transportation and communication services and corridors
- Cultural factors and priorities
- Environmental protection and management needs, including wildlife conservation,
- Protection and management
- Energy requirements, sources and availability
Photo by Felix Willie
Board Process:
The NMRPC has a clearly defined process in the NILCA and the NILCA Implementation Plan. The objective of planning within the Nunavik Marine Region (NMR) shall be:
- To develop planning policies, priorities, and objectives regarding the conservation development, management and use of marine land in the NMR;
- To prepare marine use plans which guide a direct resource use and development in the NMR; and
- The implementation of marine use plans.
Photo by Felix Willie