ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the results of a review of literature about what has been written on the social impacts of mining activities in Northern Canada. It explores a wide array of literature: scientific publications, governmental guidelines, environmental impact assessments, impact benefits agreements and monitoring reports. Canadian governments have regularly seen the North as a resource trough that would contribute to the wealth of Canada but also to the social and economic advancement of northern Indigenous peoples. Mineral exploration and extraction have increased steadily in Northern Canada since World War II, when demand for base minerals amplified for both defense and construction projects. Cumulative environmental assessments and strategic environmental assessment (SEA) have been both promoted, but there are many issues with their implementation and SEA has never been used in the context of northern mining.
