About

Our Role in Planning for the Eeyou Marine Region

The Eeyou Marine Region Planning Commission (EMRPC) is an Institution of Public Government (IPG) that was established pursuant to the provisions of the Agreement between the Crees of Eeyou Istchee and Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada Concerning the Eeyou Marine Region, also known as the Eeyou Marine Region Land Claims Agreement (EMRLCA). The EMRLCA was signed on July 7, 2010 and came into force by Order of the Government of Canada on February 15, 2012.

EMR Claims Agreement

EMR Claims Agreement (English)

The Eeyou Marine Region Land Claims Agreement (EMRLCA) is a treaty that defines and protects the Cree Nation’s rights to manage and use land and resources in the Eeyou Marine Region, supporting sustainable development and preserving Cree cultural traditions.

Download ➞

Accord sur les revendications territoriales de la région marine d’Eeyou (français)

L’Accord sur les revendications territoriales de la région marine d’Eeyou (EMRLCA) est un traité qui protège les droits de la Nation crie à gérer les terres et ressources de cette région, favorisant le développement durable et préservant les traditions culturelles cries.

Download ➞

The EMRPC’s primary functions are to prepare land use plans that guide resource use and development in the EMR and to establish policies, priorities, and objectives for conservation, development, and land management. In addition, the EMRPC is responsible for:

Identifying

planning regions and specific objectives aligned with broader goals.

Drafting

and circulating land use plans, promoting public awareness, and conducting hearings.

Cooperating

with the Government to develop and coordinate a general monitoring plan and data collection efforts.

Contributing

to the development and review of Arctic and sub-Arctic policies.

Recommending

plans to the Minister, considering modifications if a plan is rejected, and ensuring proposed projects align with land use plans.

Sharing

information and gathering input from Cree communities and others.

Monitoring

project compliance with land use plans and reporting annually on their implementation.

Members

The EMRPC’s members provide guidance and make recommendations to EMRPC planning staff to further the development of a land use plan. Members are appointed by the three parties to the EMRLCA: the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee), Government of Nunavut, and the Government of Canada to ensure balanced decision-making. By bringing diverse professional experience and regional perspectives, they help create opportunities for responsible development that benefits everyone in the Eeyou Marine Region.

The EMRPC consists of five members, including the Chairperson:

TWO

members are appointed by the Grand Council of the Cree of Eeyou Istchee (GCC(EI))/Cree Nation Government (CNG);

One

member is appointed by Canada through the federal Minister of CIRNAC; and

ONE

member is appointed by the federal Minister of Environment under the Government of Nunavut (GN).

The Chairperson

is nominated by consensus of the EMRPC members and is jointly approved by the federal Minister of CIRNAC, the GCC(EI)/CNG, and the GN.

James Bobbish

Chairperson

James Bobbish stands as the Chairperson for the Eeyou Marine Region Planning Commission.

Read more ➞

Jessica Labrecque

Commissioner – GCC (EI)

Jessica Labrecque is one of the Commissioners representing the Grand Chief Council (Eeyou Itschee).

Read more ➞

Cynthia Ene

Commissioner – CIRNAC

Cynthia Ene, is a professional engineer, a serial entrepreneur and woman in trades/construction.

Read more ➞

Elijassie Kavik

Commissioner - Government of Nunavut

I was born in Moose Factory, but I have lived all my life in Sanikiluaq, in the Belcher Islands, Nunavut.

Read more ➞

Staff

The EMRPC staff is made up of 3 individuals: Director, James O'Leary; Land Use Planner, Joyce Tshiyoyo; and one administrative staff, whose skills are shared between all three of the EMR bodies: Administrative Assistant, Priscillia Wesley,

James O’Leary

Director

With a Master of Planning from Dalhousie University, I’ve rapidly advanced at the Eeyou Marine Region Planning Commission (EMRPC), currently helming the Director role since March 2023.

Read more ➞

Joyce Ngoya Tshiyoyo

Land Use Planner

Joyce Tshiyoyo is a Land Use Planner for the EMRPC. She started this role in September, of 2023.

Read more ➞

Priscillia Wesley

Administrative Assistant

Priscillia Wesley joined the Eeyou Marine Region in 2016. She is the Administrative Assistant to the Directors of the Eeyou Marine Region Planning Commission, Impact Review Board, and Wildlife Board.

Read more ➞