The Narwhal saw a huge turnout this week for our webinar on Prime Minister Mark Carney’s push to build major projects. A big thanks to the nearly 500 people who tuned in, brought excellent questions and kept the chat box lively!

Reporters Drew Anderson, Carl Meyer, Fatima Syed and Shannon Waters provided useful clarity about what’s locked in, what isn’t and what all this fast-track talk could mean for the environment, showing off their big brains and their charm. 

If you missed it, we’ve got you covered. A recording of the event is available to watch on our website. We’ve also shared a resource document, including links to the webinar presentation slides and relevant articles by The Narwhal. 

One attendee said, “I found all four speakers very knowledgeable, as if they eat, sleep and breathe this stuff — which they probably do.” I’d say that’s right on the money — although I do wonder if they’re getting enough sleep! In addition to hosting an online webinar, our newsroom has kept pace this week with in-depth reporting about the natural world, including three fresh stories connected to the major projects conversation.

One of the so-called “transformative strategies” Carney has referred to the Major Projects Office caught the eye of northwest B.C. reporter Matt Simmons. It’s called the Northwest Critical Conservation Corridor, which confusingly is more focused on mining, fossil fuel exports and supplying electricity to industry than on environmental conservation. Matt broke down what we know so far in an analysis for The Narwhal this week. 
 

Also in northwest B.C., the fate of the Eskay Creek mine is in the hands of the Tahltan Central Government, which will vote in January on whether or not to assent to the conditions of the province’s environmental assessment. First, community members will vote on whether or not to accept an impact benefit agreement, some details of which have been made public, in an unusual move.

That project is on B.C.’s (but not Canada’s) priority list for fast-tracking, although the silver and gold it will produce aren’t typically considered “critical” minerals. Check out new reporting by Steph Kwetásel’wet Wood on what that project’s all about — and ongoing concerns over the environmental impacts.
 

Meanwhile, over in Ontario, Premier Doug Ford is still trying to get First Nations on board with his ambitions to turn the Ring of Fire region into a critical minerals hotspot. He signed a $39.5-million deal last week with Marten Falls First Nation, one of three along the proposed route for a road into the remote area.

But that same day, leaders from Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug and Wapekeka First Nations urged Ford to “balance it out” by permanently protecting three million hectares of their homelands, northwest of the Ring of Fire. Ontario reporter Fatima Syed has that story this week. 
 

One thing is clear: we are in the midst of a defining moment in Canada, for land, water, resources and Indigenous Rights. Come what may, The Narwhal will be here to explain what’s happening — and hold governments to account. 

Take care and stay tuned,

Jacqueline Ronson
Assistant editor


P.S. Is supporting independent journalism on your holiday wish list? There are so many ways to uplift this work — and receive charitable tax benefits in return. The Narwhal gratefully accepts gifts of securities, legacy donations in a will, grants from donor-advised funds and other creative contributions. Email Atenas Contreras, director of operations and finance, or check out this page to learn more.
 

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