Duncan names a new chairperson for Nunavut regulator

The NIRB’s new chairperson, Elizabeth Copland, then the outgoing chair of Nutrition North Canada’s advisory board, speaks to Iqaluit residents at the board’s first public meeting there in May 2011. (FILE PHOTO)

The Nunavut Impact Review Board has a new chairperson: Elizabeth Copland.

John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, appointed Copland, who had been serving as the NIRB’s acting chairperson, for a period of three years, effective Nov. 26.

Last June the chair’s position on the NIRB because vacant following a decision by Duncan to reject the re-appointment of incumbent chair Lucassie Arragutainaq.

Copland has served multiple terms with the NIRB over 14 years, as a nominee of the Government of Canada: vice- chairperson from 1994 to 2001, chairperson and acting chairperson from 2001 to 2007, and recently becoming the board’s acting chairperson once again in March 2012.

Copland presided as the chairperson and acting chairperson during four final hearings for NIRB reviews: the Jericho diamond mine in 2004, Doris North gold mine and Meadowbank gold mine projects in 2006 and most recently in July 2012, the final hearing for the review of Baffinland Iron Mines Corp.’s Mary River project, approved Dec. 3.

“The steady leadership shown by Ms. Copland during these crucial times has greatly benefitted the Board in achieving timely, credible, efficient and thorough assessments of these major development projects,” said the NIRB in a Dec. 3 news release. “Ms. Copland’s leadership and skills have not only benefitted the NIRB, but have also benefitted her home community of Arviat and Nunavummiut in general.”

The NIRB news release noted that Copland was Arviat’s first female mayor, a Justice of the Peace for 20 years, the first Inuk Chief Coroner in Nunavut, Chair of the Nutrition North Advisory Board, a local coroner for 19 years and vice-chair of the Nunavut Arbitration Board for four years.

“The NIRB is indeed fortunate to have the leadership of such an accomplished and experienced Board Member to guide the NIRB during the very busy and dynamic times ahead,” the news release said.