Principles

In carrying out its functions, the KEQC must pay particular attention to the following principles set out in Section 23.2.4 of the JBNQA:

  • The protection of Native people, societies, communities and economies, with respect to developmental activity affecting the Region;
  • The environmental and social protection regime with respect to minimizing the impacts on the Native people by developmental activity affecting the region;
  • The protection of the hunting, fishing and trapping rights of Native people in the Region and their other rights therein with respect to developmental activity affecting the Region;
  • The protection of wildlife resources, physical and biotec environment, and ecological systems in the Region with respect to developmental activity affecting the Region ;
  • The involvement of the Native people and other inhabitants of the Region in the application of this regime ;
  • The rights and interests of non-Native people, whatever they may be ;
  • The right to develop, in accordance with the provision of the Agreement, by persons acting lawfully in the Region ;
  • The minimizing of negative environmental and social impacts of development on Native people and non-Native people and on Native and non-Native communities by reasonable means with special reference to those measures proposed, recommended or determined by the impact assessment and review procedures.

In addition, in the course of the project review and analysis, the KEQC takes into account the considerations included in sub-section 23.3.19 of the JBNQA:

  • The environmental and social impact of the development both beneficial and adverse;
  • Environmental adversities which cannot be avoided through present technological means and environmental adversities which were chosen not to be fully abated and the proponent’s proposals to counterbalance such adversities;
  • Reasonable measures available to avoid or minimize adverse effects or to enhance beneficial effects;
    Reasonable alternatives to the development as proposed and when appropriate reasonable alternatives to the proposed development;
  • The methods and procedures outlined by the proponent to adequately monitor emissions of contaminants or other environmental problems, where required;
  • Relationship of the proposed development to applicable existing or proposed envionmental laws and regulations;
  • The methods or procedures outlined by the proponent to be put into effect in the event of accidents.

However, the Commission is not limited by these considerations and accords them the importance it deems appropriate for the specific case.