Court decision dismisses Inuit groups attempt to quash Muskrat Falls permit – CP

Source: The Canadian Press
Jan 14, 2015

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. _ The Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador has dismissed an attempt by the Nunatsiavut government to quash a permit related to the Muskrat Falls project.

The Labrador Inuit group had hoped to prevent the province from issuing a permit that would allow the construction of dams, the power house and related infrastructure for the hydro project.

The Inuit, who fish in waterways along the coast, say they are concerned about the dangers of mercury poisoning downstream from the project.

In his ruling Judge David Orsborn says the decision to issue the permit does not interfere with fishing rights.

Orsborn says the issue of mercury accumulation was dealt with in an earlier environmental assessment review and in the process leading up to the province’s 2012 Order-in-Council, which addresses mercury accumulation.

Orsborn says it was the Order-in-Council which should have been challenged and not the regulatory decision and he also says a negotiated land claims agreement did not require the province to consult with the Inuit before issuing the permit. (VOCM)

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