Federal gov't appoints B.C. lawyer to assess impacts of Giant Mine on Indigenous communities

The federal government has appointed a ministerial special representative to assess the impacts of Giant Mine near Yellowknife, specifically as it relates to the impact on Indigenous communities and historical treaty rights.

In a news release, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Gary Anandasangaree named Murray Rankin — a lawyer, former British Columbia MP and MLA, who also served as minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation for the province.

The statement said Rankin will work independently and report directly to the minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs.

"His experience and knowledge will support future recommendations to address the harms that resulted from the Giant Mine operations," the release said.

Giant Mine operated in Yellowknife from 1948 to 2004, and released poisonous dust into the air and water surrounding the mine. In that time, it produced about 198 tonnes of gold and more than 237,000 tonnes of highly toxic arsenic trioxide dust, which is contained underground. Remediation of the site, one of the most contaminated in Canada, began in 2021. 

The Yellowknives Dene First Nation has long pushed the federal government for compensation and an apology for the long-term cultural, social and environmental impacts of Giant Mine, as well as economic benefits from the more than $4-billion remediation project. The First Nation says Giant Mine resulted in the destruction of its traditional lands and harvesting areas, and violated its treaty rights.

The Yellowknives Dene signed three agreements with the government of Canada in 2021, which outlined how they would move forward to collaborate on compensation, remediation and an apology, and included a community benefits agreement that promised up to $20 million over 10 years to support the First Nation's participation in the remediation.

In 2023, they signed a procurement agreement to increase opportunities for Indigenous people through the remediation project, including prioritizing contracts with Indigenous-owned businesses, and tougher penalties for companies that fail to meet Indigenous hiring commitments.

Final report due in 2026

A final report from the ministerial special representative is expected in 2026, which will provide "recommendations and insights to support a resolution and advance the path toward reconciliation and healing."

"Addressing historical injustices and working in partnership with Indigenous communities is key to advancing reconciliation in Canada," the release said.

Rankin was quoted as saying he's "deeply honoured" to take on this role.

"Throughout my career, I have worked alongside Indigenous communities to uphold rights, advance reconciliation, and seek meaningful solutions to complex challenges. I look forward to engaging with partners to better understand the mine's impacts on Treaty rights and to work together to identify a just and equitable path forward."

According to the press release, Rankin also has expertise in Indigenous, environmental and public law.