The federal government is working to ensure major projects get built that create high-paying jobs for Canadians and greater economic resilience for Canada all while protecting the environment and upholding Indigenous rights.
Today, the Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature issued her decision statement for the Crawford Nickel Project in Ontario, determining that the potential effects within federal jurisdiction are justified when taking into account the benefits this project will provide. This decision was informed by the project's impact assessment report based on scientific evidence, Indigenous Knowledge, Indigenous consultation and input from the public.
The project, an open-pit nickel-cobalt mine and on-site metal mill, located 42 kilometres north of Timmins, Ontario, is expected to create significant economic opportunities and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs. The project will serve as an anchor of Canada's global leadership in clean industrial materials and is expected to attract $5 billion in investment and could create 4,000 new careers, securing Canada's place at the forefront of the clean economy.
The federal government is committed to ensuring proposals like this move forward in a way that is sustainable and protects the environment and Indigenous rights. The decision statement issued today establishes legally binding conditions with which the proponent must comply throughout the project's life.
The decision statement conditions include measures to reduce potential adverse federal effects of the project on Indigenous Peoples who live in and use the area - reducing impacts to their health and socio-economic conditions, physical and cultural heritage, and current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes. The measures also aim to reduce potential adverse effects on fish and fish habitat, and migratory birds. For example, working in consultation with Indigenous communities, the proponent will ensure the progressive rehabilitation of areas disturbed by the project so that these areas return to their pre-project state or better as soon as possible.
The federal government thanks all participants for their comments throughout the impact assessment process. The project assessment benefited greatly from the participation of Indigenous communities in northern Ontario and their Indigenous Knowledge and as well as from public engagement and the expert information or knowledge provided by federal authorities and provincial ministries. The proponent will still be required to obtain any necessary authorizations and permits.
