Latest news with #CreeNationGovernment
Cision Canada
17-07-2025
- General
- Cision Canada
Public Notice - Mont Sorcier Mining Project
Comments Invited on the Draft Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines and Draft Public Participation Plan What is happening? OTTAWA, ON, July 17, 2025 /CNW/ - The Joint Assessment Committee (the Joint Committee), comprising of representatives from the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) and the Cree Nation Government, is conducting a federal impact assessment for the proposed Mont Sorcier Mining Project, a new open-pit iron and vanadium mine, located in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay Territory, in Quebec. As part of the planning phase in the federal impact assessment process, the Joint Committee invites Indigenous Peoples and the public to review and provide feedback on the draft Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines (draft Guidelines) and the draft Public Participation Plan (draft Plan). The draft Guidelines outline the specific factors to be considered in the assessment of the project and provide direction to the proponent, Voyager Metals Inc., on the studies and information required in its Impact Statement. The draft Plan explains how the public will be engaged throughout the review process and provides details on how and when public participation opportunities will take place for each phase of the impact assessment. How can I participate? Comments should be submitted online by visiting the project home page on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry (reference number 84616). The draft Guidelines and the draft Plan are also available on the Registry. Participants who wish to provide their input in a different format can contact IAAC by writing to [email protected]. Submit your comments online by 11:59 p.m. on August 16, 2025. All comments received will be published online as part of the project file. Stay updated on this project by following IAAC and the Cree Nation Government on X: @IAAC_AEIC @gcccra, #MontSorcier or sign-up for notifications on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry. What is the proposed project? Voyager Metals Inc. is proposing the construction, operation, decommissioning, and closure of an open-pit iron and vanadium mine located in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay Territory, in the municipality of Chibougamau, about 20 kilometres northeast of the Town of Chibougamau, Quebec, in the traditional Cree territory. As proposed, the Mont Sorcier Mining Project would include a pit and the construction of an ore processing facility. The proponent also plans to build a 49-kilometre railroad that would connect to the existing track to transport the concentrate by train to the Grande-Anse Marine Terminal, where it would be stockpiled for export purposes. The mine's production capacity would be about 5 million tonnes per year (average rate of 13,700 tonnes/day) and the estimated life of the project would be 21 years.
Cision Canada
16-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Northern Action Plan 2023-2028 - Financial agreement of $700,000 between the Société du Plan Nord, the Société de développement de la Baie-James, and the Cree Nation Government to support the development of Cree entrepreneurship Français
QUEBEC CITY, July 16, 2025 /CNW/ - The Société du Plan Nord, the Société de développement de la Baie-James, and the Cree Nation Government are proud to announce their respective investments of $300,000, $250,000, and $150,000 as part of a new collaboration that will have a positive and lasting impact on the Cree entrepreneurs of Eeyou Istchee. This initiative is part of the 2023–2028 Northern Action Plan to support Indigenous entrepreneurship and responds to the growing needs of suppliers. The objective of this agreement is to improve the ability of suppliers in this region to meet the needs of prime contractors. For the Société de développement de la Baie-James, this agreement addresses a strategic issue in its Development Plan: maximizing regional economic benefits. As part of this partnership, the Cree Nation Government is committed to hiring, supervising and supporting a business liaison specialist to help Cree contractors meet the requirements of public and private tenders. Through this collaboration, the partners seek to maximize the efficiency of allocated resources and ensure that this initiative directly serves Cree businesses. The partners underline their commitment to pursue their efforts towards securing tangible changes on the field and improving the entrepreneurial vitality of Cree communities. The Société du Plan Nord, the Société de développement de la Baie-James, and the Cree Nation Government are excited about this collaboration and are confident that, through their combined support, this initiative will be a true driving force of transformation for Cree businesses. Quotes: "The initiatives we fund through the Northern Action Plan are concrete and contribute to the vitality and economic dynamism of our communities. With this new initiative and through community collaboration, we are providing significant tools and resources to Cree businesses and organizations so they can continue to grow. The essence of this agreement contributes to the economic vitality of the region, but more importantly, it improves the quality of life for northern populations." Maïté Blanchette Vézina, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, and Minister responsible for the Société du Plan Nord and the Société de développement de la Baie-James "This partnership reflects our commitment to empowering Cree entrepreneurs and strengthening economic opportunities in Eeyou Istchee. With specialized tools and a dedicated business liaison specialist, local businesses can better navigate procurement and seize new opportunities. Investing in local resources fosters long-term success and sustainable growth for future generations." Davey Bobbish, Executive Director, Cree Nation Government "I'm proud that Société du Plan Nord is supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship through this inspiring partnership, as outlined in the Northern Action Plan. Moreover, this project will contribute to nurturing the talents and ambitions of Cree entrepreneurs, enabling them and their regional partners to claim their fair share of public and private markets in Eeyou Istchee." Patrick Beauchesne, President and Chief Executive Officer, Société du Plan Nord "This agreement marks a turning point in the development of Cree entrepreneurship. By supporting local initiatives and providing targeted resources, we are helping to strengthen the economic autonomy of the communities. At the Société de développement de la Baie-James, we are proud to play a key role in this effort, which paves the way for a prosperous and sustainable future for Baie-James." Alain Coulombe, President and CEO of the Société de développement de la Baie-James About the Société du Plan Nord The Société du Plan Nord's mission is to support a systematic and organized growth of Quebec's northern territory in line with a perspective of sustainable development. The Société du Plan Nord is the principal body in the implementation of the government of Quebec's Northern Action Plan 2023–2028. About the Société de développement de la Baie-James Established in 1971 under the James Bay Region Development Act, the SDBJ aims to promote economic development, sustainable development and exploitation of natural resources–excluding hydroelectric resources under Hydro-Québec's mandate–within the Baie-James territory. In particular, it has the capacity to initiate and support projects aimed at these objectives and participate in them. About the Cree Nation Government The Cree Nation Government carries out governmental and administrative functions on behalf of the Cree Nation. Both entities share the same members, board of directors, and governance structures, and they are managed as a single entity. Related links: SOURCE Société du Plan Nord
CBC
12-06-2025
- Business
- CBC
Cree First Nation of Waswanipi breaks ground on long-awaited hotel
Social Sharing The Cree First Nation of Waswanipi has officially broken ground on its hotel, marking a milestone for the northern Quebec community after decades of anticipation. The community first dreamed up the project in the early 1990s during a time of growth for Waswanipi. The idea was to have a spot to host out-of-towners visiting for events like hockey tournaments, snowmobile races and fishing derbies. The groundbreaking ceremony on June 10 coincided with the 49th anniversary of Waswanipi. Marcel Happyjack, head of Waswanipi Development Corporation, said the project will fill a longstanding gap in the community. "At times people pass through and look for accommodations. So that will be an opportunity for us to showcase Waswanipi and what we can provide," said Happyjack. The project, costing about $12-million, had been continuously delayed due to limited funding but financial support from the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi, the Cree Nation Government, the Government of Quebec, and other partners — through grants and interest-free loans — made construction possible. Beyond meeting accommodation needs, the project is expected to generate employment opportunities for local community members. "We're looking forward to providing employment opportunities for local people to be part of something that we built," said Happyjack. While the number of positions has not yet been finalized, he said priority will be given to community members. The hotel will be situated next to Highway 13, easily visible to travellers, particularly during winter storms when road conditions may force motorists to seek shelter, said Happyjack. Happyjack said the hotel's name is still under consideration, with a preference for a Cree translation of "the three rivers," reflecting the site's location at the confluence of the Opawica, Chibougamau, and Waswanipi rivers, within the community's cultural village. "Waswanipi is my hometown. I lived here most of my life. It's a very hospitable place," Happyjack said. "We host different events throughout the year. So many more visitors will come and see what we do and what we can be, and what we can do for others. That's what I'm most proud of," said Happyjack. The hotel will feature 20 guest rooms, a restaurant, a museum, and a laundromat.
Toronto Star
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Star
Elections Canada to investigate voting barriers in Nunavik
MONTREAL - Elections Canada says it will investigate 'shortcomings' that prevented some people in Nunavik from casting their vote in Monday's federal election. In a statement Wednesday, chief electoral officer Stéphane Perrault apologized to residents of the northern region of Quebec, which is the homeland of Inuit in the province. 'I deeply regret that some electors in Nunavik were not able to cast their vote,' he said. 'Over the last three years, Elections Canada has engaged with Indigenous communities across the country and made it a priority to remove barriers and improve voting services for Indigenous electors. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'Nevertheless, the shortcomings of our services in Nunavik during the general election underscore the importance of the work that remains.' Perrault said the agency will 'review the circumstances that led to this situation,' and will publish its findings. The apology comes after news reports said polling stations in some Nunavik communities closed hours early, apparently because weather conditions were affecting flights for election workers. In some cases, polling stations reportedly didn't open at all. On Tuesday, Makivvik, the organization representing Quebec Inuit, said it was 'deeply disappointed' by how the vote was handled in Nunavik, and called on Elections Canada to investigate. 'This is unacceptable in 2025,' the organization said in a statement. 'In many cases, Nunavimmiut were effectively denied their right to participate in this election.' The federal agency should 'take immediate steps to ensure that every Inuk in Nunavik has equal access to voting in future elections,' the statement said. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Mandy Gull-Masty, former grand chief of the Cree Nation Government in Quebec, won the riding of Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou for the Liberals on Monday, flipping it from Bloc Québécois incumbent Sylvie Bérubé. Makivvik president Pita Aatami said he was pleased to see an Indigenous woman elected to represent the region. 'Mandy Gull-Masty understands the realities of our communities, and we are thankful that she took the time to visit Nunavik during the campaign,' he said. 'Her election marks a significant step forward for our riding, and we look forward to working closely with her.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 30, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Quebec Inuit representative wants investigation over voting problems in Nunavik
MONTREAL – An organization representing Quebec Inuit wants Elections Canada to investigate reports that some people in Nunavik were unable to vote in Monday's federal election. Makivvik says polling hours were inconsistent across the northern part of Quebec, and some communities were unable to vote altogether. The organization says some Nunavik Inuit were effectively denied their right to vote, which it says is 'unacceptable in 2025.' Makivvik wants Elections Canada to ensure every Inuk in Nunavik is able to vote in future elections. Mandy Gull-Masty, former grand chief of the Cree Nation Government in Quebec, won the riding of Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou for the Liberals on Monday, taking it from Bloc Québécois incumbent Sylvie Bérubé. During Elections Get campaign news, insight, analysis and commentary delivered to your inbox during Canada's 2025 election. Makivvik says it's pleased to see an Indigenous woman elected to represent the region, and says Gull-Masty's victory is a 'significant step forward' for the riding. This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 30, 2025.
