De Beers Impact and Benefit Agreement

Benefits for our people, businesses, and community.

On September 17, 2007 Moose Cree First Nation (MCFN) signed an Impact and Benefit Agreement (IBA) with De Beers Canada Inc (DBC). At that time DBC established a mine and related facilities located near the Nayshkootayaow River approximately 90 kilometers west of Attawapiskat, known as Victor Mine. The Project was developed for the production of rough diamonds.

The IBA came into being because De Beers in its desire to operate the Victor Mine needed to have facilities and operations in Moose Cree Territory. Included in the IBA are Schedules (Programs) which speak to the following;

  • Business and Contracting Opportunities
  • Education and Training
  • Employment
  • Harvesters Support and Cultural Program
  • Health and Wellness
  • Environment

Business and Contracting Opportunities

The intent of this program is to provide the MCFN with the opportunities to maximize business participation by promoting and encouraging the use or development of qualified MCFN Businesses whenever possible and practicable in supplying services. The main criteria is that MCFN Businesses must be 51% owned by a MCFN member(s). Businesses interested in participating must be registered on the Moose Cree Registry. Key opportunities identified in the IBA include the Moosonee Yard, the Winter Road, Trucking and Fuel Haulage.

Education and Training

Education and Training initiatives include the establishment of education, language and training qualifications requirements for employment positions. DBC and MCFN agree to cooperate in the establishment of and securing the funding for Moose Cree designed programs for the acquisition and improvement of skills relevant to the mining operations.

Employment

MCFN band members shall have first priority for employment for any project-related activities within Moose Cree Homeland. Moose Cree has established a Human Resources Inventory and recommends anyone interested in employment to register. DBC commits to having MCFN members in skilled, administrative, professional, scientific and management positions whenever persons demonstrate the competence and qualifications.

Harvesters Support and Cultural Program

DBC supports the establishment of a committee to assist Harvesters in the sale and distribution of cultural products. In addition, where harvesters are impacted by the Winter Road and Transmission Line consideration will be given in providing assistance where applicable. This program was made available to the community at the end of 2018.

Health and Wellness

MCFN is concerned about adverse impacts to the social fabric of the community as a result of an increase in employment and income, together with a possibility for negative impacts on health and wellness. The Community Employment Liaison Committee was established to assist those working at De Beers in areas including but not limited to: money management, personal finances, financial planning, health and wellness, diabetes and similar subjects.

Environment

The purpose of this is to promote measures that protects the natural environment and minimize the adverse environmental effects from the mine activity. To accomplish this, a full time Environmental Monitor position has been established. In addition a Winter Road Environmental Management Monitor Committee has been established to monitor environmental impacts on the winter road.

Conclusion

The IBA is managed by the Senior Implementation Management Committee (SIMC) which meets a minimum of four times per year. The mandate of the SIMC is to ensure that the IBA is implemented in a timely and effective way and ensure that the IBA is implemented in a manner that achieves the objectives of the parties and builds upon and strengthens the relationship between DBC and MCFN. Further, DBC and MCFN shall take all action necessary to fulfill its obligations and responsibilities in accordance with the IBA.

Victor Mine as of March 2019 is no longer mining. The last of the diamond processing will be completed by June 2019. At that time full decommissioning, demolition and restoration will begin and continue over the next two to three years.