Mining companies are expected to do more to be transparent about the money and gifts they give to governments in order to fight corruption and improve the governance and benefits of mining projects. Access to information and transparency are also important human rights based principles. The implementation of strong transparency policies and procedures for the Mary River Mine can help improve human rights impacts because there will be less opportunity for inappropriate spending and more accountability and incentives for positive contributions.

The Government of Canada just announced that it is going to make new disclosure rules that will apply to Canadian mining companies. The Mining Association of Canada has helped developed a framework for these new disclosure rules. ArcelorMittal also has strong disclosure and anti-corruption policies. The standards for transparency and disclosure for Baffinland are going to be increasingly stringent over the coming years.

All parties that administer the economic benefits that will flow from the mine should also set a good example about transparency and anti-corruption. This is needed to reinforce public confidence in the contribution of the mine to sustainable development and good governance. Greater disclosure and access to information about economic payments also helps monitoring and assessment of positive human rights impacts from the mine

Concerns have been raised in the public hearings about how much of the IIBA benefits will flow to communities. Last summer, some questions were raised about members of the QIA accepting travel to the London Olympics at Baffinland’s expense. Given their important role in administering royalties and IIBA payments, the Designated Inuit Organizations should develop their own policies about transparency and anti-corruption that takes into account their special status. This is an important piece of the puzzle for ensuring that the Mary River Mine and future mining projects in Nunavut make strong contributions to sustainable development and human rights.