What are they?

Impact Benefit Agreements set out the specific benefits that the negotiation community(ies) will receive from the Project in terms of employment, business opportunities, training and development, and financial compensation for loss of the use of the land while the project is in operation.

Snap Lake Diamond Mine, Impact Benefit Agreement Negotiations
2006 and ongoing
Chignecto is working as technical advisor for the Lutsel K’e Dene First Nation in its negotiations with DeBeers Canada for an Impact Benefit Agreement with respect to the Snap Lake Diamond Mine that is being developed in the Northwest Territories. As with the Victor Mine IBA noted below, Chignecto will provide strategic advice and expertise in the following areas: negotiation Organization and Structure technical advice, negotiation support, research and analysis, environmental expertise, engineering expertise, and financial expertise.

Mishkeegogamang First Nation – Forestry and Hydroelectric Negotiations
2006 and ongoing
Chignecto is providing negotiation support and strategic direction to the Mishkeegogaming First Nation in their negotiations in the areas of hydroelectric and forestry with large corporations.

Victor Diamond Mine, Impact Benefit Agreement
2003-2006
Chignecto worked with Attawapiskat First Nation as technical advisor providing expertise and strategic advice in its negotiations with DeBeers Canada for an Impact Benefit Agreement on the development of the Victor Diamond Mine. Services are similar to that identified in the Snap Lake project.

Voisey’s Bay, Impact Benefit Agreement
2001 – 2003
Chignecto provided technical support, expertise and strategic advice to the Innu of Labrador in their negotiations with INCO for an Impact Benefit Agreement with respect to the Voisey’s Bay Nickel Mine in Labrador. Methodology included negotiation support as a member of the negotiation team, reviewing assessment documentation, and reporting and presenting to the First Nation leadership for decision-making. Chignecto was key in designing community consultation materials in video and power-point format. Presentations to community, third-parties, interest groups and focus groups were designed by Chignecto. Chignecto continues to be involved on the Voisey’s project as advisors for implementation issues.

Innu Nation Lower Churchill River Hydroelectric Project, Impact Benefit Agreement
1999 – 2002
Chignecto provided negotiation support and strategic direction to the Innu Nation in their negotiations towards an Impact Benefit Agreement with Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Hydro Quebec for their proposed Lower Churchill River Hydroelectric Project. Negotiation support consisted of participation in negotiation sessions, strategic planning with the Board of Directors on negotiation decisions and priorities, on methods for maximizing business and employment opportunities, and on means to best achieve environmental and social protections objectives.
     Considerable research and reporting was required in order to build community, leadership and negotiation team understanding of potential benefits and adverse effects of the Project. Chignecto participation in community consultation was also required in order for Chignecto to better understand prior community experience with hydroelectric development.