"This submission is a reflection of the extraordinary work of our team and partners and our commitment to meaningful collaboration with Indigenous communities and stakeholders," said Mark Selby, CEO of Canada Nickel. "We've gone from the fifth drillhole in September 2019 to become the first mining project in Canada to file an Impact Statement under the 2019 Impact Assessment Act. The ability to achieve this milestone in just over five years also reflects the federal government's commitment to timely and efficient permitting processes and effective engagement with proponents. It's a major step forward as we advance Crawford – projected to be one of the world's largest and most sustainable nickel sulphide projects - towards production."
Since 2021, Canada Nickel has conducted extensive baseline environmental and socio-economic studies to inform the Impact Statement, combining rigorous scientific analysis with valuable insights from Indigenous Knowledge and community input.
Highlights of Engagement Efforts:
- Funding Indigenous Nations to ensure authentic and meaningful participation, such as funding the Nations own Traditional Land Use and Socioeconomic studies to guide project planning.
- Hosting technical working group sessions, community open houses, and site visits with Indigenous leadership, local leaders, and regional stakeholders.
- Organizing Environmental and Socioeconomic Committees inclusive of local multi-disciplinary subject matter experts to inform project planning
"Throughout the Impact Statement, it is clear how much the Company has prioritized minimizing impacts while maximizing the benefits this Project will bring to the entire region," said Pierre-Philippe Dupont, Vice President of Sustainability. "Since day one, we've taken a true partnership-based approach that has defined this entire process. By engaging early and often with Indigenous Nations, local communities, and stakeholders, we've ensured this Project reflects our shared priorities and values."