Geologist Karen Costello, who is a former resident of Iqaluit, having worked there for many years for Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, is relocating to Cambridge Bay where she will be the new executive director of the Nunavut Impact Review Board. (Photo courtesy of the Nunavut Mining Symposium)
Nunavut Impact Review Board gets new executive director
Karen Costello takes over from Ryan Barry
The Nunavut Impact Review Board welcomes a new executive director, Karen Costello, on June 1.
Until recently, Costello served as the director of operations and community services with Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada in Yellowknife.
But many participants in the NIRB’s processes already know Costello from her past work in Nunavut with the Nunavut regional office of CIRNAC in Iqaluit from 2005 to 2017.
During that time, she also participated in the NIRB’s public hearings and related processes on behalf of CIRNAC and was involved with the Nunavut Mining Symposium.
“As a registered professional geologist, Karen brings a wealth of technical knowledge to her new role and is well-positioned to come up to speed very quickly on Nunavut files and all that’s currently in front of the NIRB,” said Kaviq Kaluraq, the NIRB’s chair, in a recent release.
“Karen has a healthy respect for Inuit culture and a keen awareness of the importance of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit for the NIRB and Nunavummiut. She is excited about the opportunity to work with the NIRB and looks forward to relocating to Cambridge Bay with her husband Ed, reconnecting with colleagues and getting to know everyone better in the months and years to come.”
The NIRB’s outgoing executive director, Ryan Barry, who had been with the NIRB in various capacities since 2007, remained in the role until May 1.
Well done NIRB on the appointment of an individual who understands the purpose and meaning of public service.
Good choice by the NIRB. Karen understands the mining industry and will provide a balanced approach which is needed.