What We Do
Overview
The Nunavik Marine Region Planning Commission (NMRPC) is an administrative body created under the Nunavik Inuit Land Claims Agreement (NILCA).
As outlined in the NILCA, the NMRPC’s primary responsibility is the development and implementation of a Marine Use Plan for the Nunavik Marine Region.
In addition, the NMRPC is responsible for:
- Reviewing proposed projects in the Nunavik Marine Region for impact review screening by the Nunavik Marine Region Impact Review Board
- Contributing to the development and review of Arctic marine policy
- Identifying and prioritizing the cleanup of waste sites in the Nunavik Marine Region
The Nunavik Marine Region Planning Commission (NMRPC) is an administrative body created under the Nunavik Inuit Land Claims Agreement (NILCA).
As outlined in the NILCA, the NMRPC’s primary responsibility is the development and implementation of a Marine Use Plan for the Nunavik Marine Region.
Words Matter
The Nunavik Inuit Land Claims Agreement (NILCA) uses the word “land” throughout and notes that “land” includes water, resources, and wildlife.
To bring clarity to the operations of a marine-focused organization, the Nunavik Marine Region Planning Commission (NMRPC) is using the term “marine” in all its documentation, including any plans, policies, or strategies related to the Nunavik Marine Region.
Administration
Policy development and implementation are very important parts of the NMRPC’s work. Documenting governance structure, operational policies, communications plans, and implementation guides is a vital part of the NMRPC being able to deliver its mandate.
Between 2020 and 2024, the NMRPC worked to fill staff vacancies, renew and streamline operating procedures and internal policies, and update bylaws and governance policies.
The NMRPC continues to keep its workplans and budgets up to date and plan activities as time and funding allow.
Marine Planning
As outlined in the NILCA, the NMRPC is responsible for:
- Developing planning policies, objectives, goals, and priorities for the Nunavik Marine Region to guide the preparation of a Marine Use Plan
- Preparing and implementing the Marine Use Plan to guide and direct resource use and development in the Nunavik Marine Region
Visit What is Marine Planning?
and What is a Marine Use Plan?
to learn more about marine planning
in the Nunavik Marine Region.
The purpose of developing the Marine Use Plan for the Nunavik Marine Region is to protect and promote the existing and future wellbeing of individuals and communities living in or using the Nunavik Marine Region as well as to protect and, where necessary, restore the environment. While the Marine Use Plan will consider the interests of all Canadians, special attention is devoted to protecting and promoting the wellbeing of Nunavik Inuit and Nunavik Inuit lands and waters.
Factors to Consider
As per the Nunavik Inuit Land Claims Agreement (NILCA), the Marine Use Plan for the Nunavik Marine Region must consider such factors as:
- Demographic considerations
- Natural resource base and existing patterns of natural resource use
- Economic opportunities and needs
- Transportation and communication services and corridors
- Energy requirements, sources, and availability
- Community infrastructural requirements, including health, housing, education, and other social services
- Environmental considerations, including Protected Areas and wildlife habitat
- Cultural factors and priorities, including the protection and preservation of archaeological sites and outpost camps
- Special local and regional considerations
Project Proposal Review
The NMRPC reviews project proposals to assess whether they require submission to the Nunavik Marine Region Impact Review Board (NMRIRB) for impact review screening.
All projects that fall within the boundaries of the Nunavik Marine Region must submit project proposals to the NMRPC before work is started.
Are you a project proponent? Visit Project Proposal Guidelines to learn more about requirements for proposed projects in the Nunavik Marine Region and here to learn more about impact assessment and the NMRIRB.
Arctic Marine Policy
The NILCA commits the NMRPC to contributing to the development and review of Arctic marine policy. To date, activities have included the ongoing participation of the NMRPC on matters related to marine transportation, marine conservation, and implementing guidelines and rules of procedures for project proponents.
Waste Site Cleanup
The NMRPC is responsible for identifying and prioritizing needs surrounding the cleanup of waste sites in the Nunavik Marine Region. Such sites include hazardous waste sites as well as inactive mining sites. As possible, this work is coordinated with the development of the Marine Use Plan.
What is a Project?
A project, consistent with the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, is understood to be a physical work that a proponent proposes to construct, operate, modify, decommission, abandon, or otherwise carry out, or a physical activity that a proponent proposes to undertake or othewise carry out. A proponent can be an individual, company or government department.