Timeline and next steps

A national marine conservation area (NMCA) in Tallurutiup Imanga was first proposed by Parks Canada as a national marine park during the 1980s, but work on the proposal was postponed as Inuit and Government moved to complete the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.

A short history of Tallurutiup Imanga NMCA

2007
Federal budget provides direction and funding for a feasibility assessment of an NMCA in Lancaster Sound.
2009
Governments of Canada and Nunavut and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to launch a feasibility assessment on a proposed NMCA in Lancaster Sound and establish a Steering Committee to oversee the project.
2010
Government of Canada announces for consultation its position on a potential future boundary of 44,300 km2 for an NMCA in Lancaster Sound.
2011-2016
The Steering Committee established under the 2009 MOU conducts community consultations, key stakeholder consultations and completes ecological and traditional knowledge studies. A resource assessment was also completed by the Geological Survey of Canada and Natural Resources Canada.
2016
Federal budget announces funding to establish, develop and operate an NMCA in Lancaster Sound.
February 2017
The Steering Committee submits its report and recommendations on the feasibility of an NMCA in Lancaster Sound to the ministers of Environment for Canada and Nunavut and the President of the Qikqtani Inuit Assocation (QIA).
May 2017
After completing an additional mineral and energy resource assessment for the area to be added to the 2010 boundary announcement, the Senior Mineral and Energy Resource Assessment Committee, chaired by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada found in favour of the Steering Committee’s recommended boundary.
August 2017
The Government of Canada, the Government of Nunavut and QIA announce the boundary for an NMCA in Tallurutiup Imanga and launch negotiations of an Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement (IIBA), as required by the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
August 2019
The Government of Canada and the QIA announce the signing of an Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement (IIBA), required for final establishment of Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area.

Next steps

  • With the signing of the IIBA, Parks Canada and QIA will begin to operationalize the NMCA.
  • An interim management plan, including a preliminary zoning plan, for the NMCA is being prepared by the Governments of Canada and Nunavut, and the QIA.
  • Public and stakeholder consultation on the draft interim management plan will be conducted.
  • Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area to be established under the Canada National Marine Conservation Areas Act.

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