The Northern Contaminants Program (NCP) was established in 1991 in response to concerns about human exposure to elevated levels of contaminants in wildlife species that are important to the traditional diets of northern Aboriginal peoples. Early studies indicated that there was a wide spectrum of substances – persistent organic pollutants (POPs), heavy metals, and radionuclides – many of which had no Arctic or Canadian sources, but which were, nevertheless, reaching unexpectedly high levels in the Arctic ecosystem.

The Program's key objective is: to work towards reducing and, where possible, eliminating contaminants in traditional/country foods, while providing information that assists individuals and communities in making informed decisions about their food use.

Under the first phase of the NCP (NCP-I, 1991-1997), research was focussed on gathering the data required to determine the levels, geographic extent, and source of contaminants in the northern atmosphere, environment and its people, and the probable duration of the problem. The data improved our understanding of the spatial patterns and temporal trends of contaminants in the North, confirmed our suspicions that the major sources of contaminants were other countries, and were an important element in our assessment of human health risks resulting from contaminants in traditional foods (including consideration of benefits from continued consumption of those foods). Results generated through NCP-I are synthesized in the Canadian Arctic Contaminants Assessment Report (CACAR: Jensen et al. 1997).

Between 1998-1999 and 2002-2003 (NCP-II), emphasis was placed on continuing research on the health benefits and risks of consuming traditional/country foods; developing effective community communication; and continuing work on international agreements to control contaminants. The traditional knowledge of the northern Aboriginal peoples also became increasingly important during Phase II. This focus evolved from the findings of CACAR and in response to extensive consultations with northerners and scientists conducted in 1997-1998.

Under the leadership of the northern Aboriginal organizations, the dialogue between northerners and the scientific community, which was initiated in NCP-I, continued to build awareness and an understanding of contaminants, and helped to support the ability of communities to deal with specific contaminant issues. Results generated through NCP-II are synthesized in the Canadian Arctic Contaminants Assessment Report II (CACAR II: DIAND 2003) which was released in March 2003 at a national symposium held in Ottawa.

Human health research conducted during NCP-II revealed that a number of contaminants were found in Inuit at levels of concern to health authorities. Subtle health effects were detected in Inuit children exposed to these contaminants. As a result, health authorities in northern Quebec issued advice in 2003 targeting women and children and in January and February 2004, similar advice was disseminated to communities by Nunavut health authorities.

The NCP effort to achieve international controls of contaminants remained a focus in NCP-II. Contributions of convincing scientific information paid off in the negotiation of legally binding POPs and Heavy Metals Protocols, under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN ECE) Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP), and a global agreement on POPs under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Stockholm Convention. As of May 17, 2004 all three of these agreements had successfully entered into force.

The next phase of the NCP is now underway and aims to build on the findings of phases I and II. The current focus of the program is to address high priority issues in communities where people are being exposed to contaminant levels that are of concern to health authorities. The NCP aims to address these issues through: conducting research and monitoring to enable the provision of sound dietary advice; meeting Canada's monitoring obligations under international agreements (LRTAP protocols on POPs and Heavy Metals, as well as the Stockholm Convention); and, undertaking education and communications efforts in these high priority areas.

Funding for the NCP's $4.4 million annual research budget comes from INAC and Health Canada.

This Operational Management Guide provides a summary of the management structures and processes used to effectively implement the NCP. Figures are provided to depict the overall management structures currently used; the proposal review process; and a protocol used to publicly disseminate health and harvest information generated by the NCP. Background information on all NCP committees and review teams is also provided in the attached appendices, including terms of reference and review criteria. A copy of the revised Guidelines for Responsible Research is also included. This Operational Management Guide will continue to be updated on an as required basis.

The NCP addresses the above objective and allocates funds for research and related activities through four main subprograms, all of which are interlinked and contribute to addressing immediate health and safety issues associated with contaminants in traditionally harvested foods:

• Human Health Research, in the areas of exposure assessment, epidemiology, toxicology, and benefit/risk management, to better assess, understand and manage the health risks in northern Canada related to the long-range transport of contaminants.
  
  
• Environmental Monitoring and Research, to monitor contaminant levels and trends in Arctic air and biota; provide early warning support to the assessment of human health; and support reviews of the effectiveness and sufficiency of international agreements;
  
  
• Education and Communications, to ensure that individuals and communities in the North receive the information needed to assist informed decision making in their food use;
  
  
• National/Regional Coordination and Aboriginal Partnerships, to ensure the coordination of program activities and that appropriate communications and participation occur with respect to northern communities.

Implementation of the above subprograms is conducted through the use of blueprint documents which set the long-term vision, strategic direction and priorities for the NCP. They are evolving documents that are reviewed at least annually. The blueprints provide the necessary guidance to the project proponents, review teams, Territorial Contaminants Committees (TCCs) and the NCP Management Committee.

The geographic focus of the NCP is the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut (see attached figure of map entitled Northern Canada). Projects outside this geographic boundary may be funded when they relate to:

1. communities in which there is significant dietary exposure to contaminants from Arctic marine mammals, for example, ringed seals, beluga and narwhal; and/or
   
   
2. the availability of crucial information related to urgent human health and safety needs in the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut, where the opportunity or capacity is not available to conduct this research in the territories.

To date, contaminant studies have been conducted in the Yukon Territory, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik and the coast of Labrador.

The issue of Arctic food chain contaminants is one that is multi-jurisdictional, being of concern to federal, territorial and Aboriginal governments; yet, it is also one that can only be addressed through cooperation from the international community on a global scale. The needs and the concerns that must be addressed must yield information that meets internationally acceptable scientific standards, but they must also respond to the needs expressed at the community level, and at the level of individual consumers of traditional/country foods.

A program that addresses such scientifically and politically complex issues requires well-developed management, planning and implementation structures and strategies. The multi-disciplinary nature of the Northern Contaminants Program (NCP) has allowed it to develop such structures and strategies. Much of the strength of the NCP is derived from the partnership approach that forms the basis of its management process. This encompasses representatives who speak to the key areas of Arctic contaminants research based on an ecosystem approach; northern community concerns, needs and priorities; and the international and domestic agendas for the control of toxic substances.

The NCP is directed by a Management Committee that is chaired by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), and which includes representatives from four northern Aboriginal organizations (Council of Yukon First Nations, Dene Nation, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and Inuit Circumpolar Conference - Canada); the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut Territorial Governments; the Nunavik Nutrition and Health Committee; and four federal departments (Environment, Fisheries and Oceans, Health, and Indian and Northern Affairs). The Management Committee is responsible for establishing NCP policy and research priorities and for making final decisions on the allocation of funds. Three Territorial Contaminants Committees in the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut (established in 1999-2000) and the Nunavik Nutrition and Health Committee support the Management Committee. Funding for the NCP-II's $4.4 million annual research budget comes from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Health Canada.

A revised set of blueprints have been developed for each of four main NCP subprograms: i) Human Health, ii) Environmental Trends Related to Human Health and International Controls, iii) Education and Communications and iv) National/Regional Coordination and Aboriginal Partnerships. The blueprints are used to provide the necessary guidance to project proponents in the development of proposals as well as to peer reviewers, review teams and the NCP Management Committee in evaluating proposals. They are evolving documents that are reviewed at least annually.

The review of Human Health proposals employs a two-pronged approach involving:

1. a scientific review by a technical review team and external peer reviewers; and
   
   
2. a socio-cultural review by the three Territorial Contaminants Committees (TCCs), the Nunavik Nutrition and Health Committee (NNHC) and the Labrador Inuit Association (LIA).

Both sets of recommendations are considered by the Management Committee in making final funding decisions.

Proposals submitted under the Education and Communications subprogram are evaluated by the relevant TCCs/NNHC, an Educations/Communication Independent Review Team, and by peer reviewers if deemed necessary by the TCC.

The Environmental Trends subprogram is highly prescribed and involves ongoing monitoring projects. There is no open call for proposals for this subprogram; instead, proposals are solicited from specific researchers and reviewed by an Environmental Trends Sub-Committee. The entire package of proposal are reviewed by two to three peer reviewers who submit their comments to the Sub-Committee for consideration as they develop funding recommendations for the Management Committee. Environmental Trends proposals are still subject to socio-cultural review by the relevant TCCs/NNHC.

All peer reviewers, review teams and TCCs/NNHC use evaluation criteria and the blueprints to review and rate proposals. Consultation with the appropriate northern community authority or national-level Aboriginal organization is required for all projects involving field work in the North and/or analyses of samples as a condition of approval for funding. The TCCs/NNHC ensure that each applicable proposal has carried out the necessary consultation.

The NCP is managed on a partnership basis by a series of inter-related committees (see also figure on NCP Management Structures), as described below:

• The NCP Management Committee is chaired by INAC and is responsible for facilitating the implementation of the NCP, establishing NCP policy and research priorities, conducting relevancy checks against the blueprints, revising the blueprints, and making final decisions on the allocation of funds. It is a multi-disciplinary committee composed of managers from the federal departments of Health, Fisheries and Oceans, Environment, and Indian and Northern Affairs; representatives of the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut governments; representatives from the Nunavik Nutrition and Health Committee; and representatives from the four northern Aboriginal organizations - Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN), Dene Nation, Inuit Circumpolar Conference - Canada (ICC - Canada), and the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK).
  
  
• The Aboriginal Partners Committee is made up of representatives of the four northern Aboriginal organizations (listed above), the chairs of the Territorial Contaminants Committees, and INAC officials from headquarters (i.e. chair of the NCP Management Committee). This committee deals with issues such as ethics and responsible research, community involvement in research, and education, communications and community-based strategies within the NCP.

Through the partnerships established through the NCP, the four northern Aboriginal organizations have developed their own capacity to work on contaminants issues. They have been able to participate at the national and international levels to ensure their positions are considered in policy development. This is illustrated by their active participation in the Arctic Council, as well as the important role played by the Inuit Circumpolar Conference in pushing the Executive Body of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN ECE) Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution to move forward with a protocol for Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). With the support of the NCP, the northern Aboriginal organizations were also coordinated as a united voice, the Canadian Arctic Indigenous Peoples Against POPs (CAIPAP), at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) global negotiations on POPs. Both of these international agreements have since entered into force. CAIPAP meaningfully influenced the outcome of the international negotiations which has resulted in greater Aboriginal empowerment on the issue. This has been a remarkable feat and one that sets a model for future involvement of Aboriginal peoples in Canadian government affairs.

There are three territorial contaminants committees (TCCs):

• The Yukon Contaminants Committee (YCC) develops and coordinates a comprehensive regional contaminants research program and establishes priorities for the Yukon for consideration by the NCP Management Committee. The committee, chaired by INAC, is composed of representatives of Environment Canada (EC), Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), Yukon Territorial Government - Departments of Health and Social Services and the Environmental Protection and Assessment Branch, Health Canada (HC), Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN), Yukon College and the Yukon Conservation Society. It evolved directly out of the NCP and provides residents of the Yukon with a direct channel to NCP projects. All contaminants research projects conducted in the Yukon are either developed and managed, or reviewed and approved by the YCC. Communications on contaminants in the Yukon are mediated through the YCC, and one-on-one consultations, which occur as required or requested, are an important part of this process. Communities are linked to the YCC and CYFN plays an important role in coordinating community input.
  
  
• The Northwest Territories Environmental Contaminants Committee (NWT ECC), develops and coordinates a comprehensive regional contaminants research program and establishes priorities for the NWT. In 1989, the GNWT formed an environmental contaminants committee, essentially focussed on health issues, to communicate results from the Broughton Island study. With the creation of the NCP, this committee expanded its role, particularly with the inclusion of more technical members, to encompass NCP work. In 1997, reorganization resulted in the formation of a second committee, the NWT ECC, whose current primary focus is the NCP. The NWT ECC reports to the NCP Management Committee on NCP-related matters. The committee presents an NWT position for consideration by the NCP Management Committee. It consists of members representing INAC, EC, DFO, HC; Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT) - Departments of Health and Social Services and Environment and Natural Resources; Dene Nation; Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Aurora Research Institute, Inuvialuit Game Council, Gwich'in Tribal Council, Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated, Dehcho First Nations, North Slave Métis Alliance, Northwest Territory Métis Nation, Dogrib Treaty 11 Council and Akaitcho Territorial Tribal Council. It develops strategies and priorities for collaborative study, and provides information to the public about the presence and possible effects of contaminants. In association with the Government of the NWT - Department of Health, information is also provided to the public on the risks and benefits of consuming traditional foods. The NWT-ECC includes an extensive membership of regional NWT Aboriginal organizations, and federal and territorial government departments and has linkages to communities, Regional Health Boards, Community Health Representatives.
  
  
• The Niqiit Avatittinni Committee (NAC) was formed in 2003 out of the Nunavut Environmental Contaminants Committee which was formally established in May 2000. The NAC includes members of the following organizations: INAC, ITK, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc, Government of Nunavut (GN) Departments of Health and Social Services and Sustainable Development, and Nunavut Research Institute. It also has linkages to communities and Community Health Representatives. Using a cooperative and collaborative approach, the NAC helps ensure that contaminants research is conducted on topics that are important to Nunavut residents. The Committee works to identify community priorities and information gaps for future research activities and keep communities informed and involved in research projects from the start.

There is one other regional committee:

• The Nunavik Nutrition and Health Committee evolved from the PCB Resource Committee that originated in 1988. The scope of the committee has broadened through time to include perspectives on both benefits and risks and contextualize scientific information within a framework that is more responsive to the population's needs. The Committee is the recognized and authorized body for the region on health and environment issues. Today the committee is chaired by the Director for Health and Social Services for Nunavik, and includes membership by the Nunavik Director for Public Health, representatives from the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services, Santé Nunavik, Makivik Research Centre, Kativik Regional Government, the two health centers in Nunavik (Inuulitsivik and Tulattavik), and the CHUQ Research Centre. Inuit representation is present in many of these positions. The committee's mandate includes: to provide orientation of regional policies on nutrition and health; to provide guidance on health, nutrition and environment issues to cross-fertilize interests of Nunavik organizations and to steer, as well as stimulate, research activities on these issues; to regionally adapt intervention strategies designed outside Nunavik for use in the region, and mobilize regional actors to define new or appropriate interventions; to define health advisories, if necessary, for the region in accordance with the different organizations concerned; to represent Nunavik interests at the national and international level on issues relevant to nutrition, health and the environment; review proposals for research and to integrate and communicate environmental health research findings for the general public as well as specific target groups.

In addition to the TCCs and the NNHC, the Northern Contaminants Program has worked with the Labrador Inuit Assosication (LIA) in the past. With the settling of the land claim of Nunatsiavut, there are new people and organizations in place in Labrador, and the NCP looks forward to working with them.

A number of review teams and ad hoc committees reporting to the NCP Management Committee have been formed:

• The Human Health Review Team, co-chaired by the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (HC) and INAC, facilitates the technical review of all Human Health proposals seeking NCP funding through the use of external scientific peer reviewers. Members of the team include representatives of ITK, HC/Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety, HC/Health Products and Food Branch, GNWT - Health and Social Services, GN - Health and Social Services, and the Nunavik Regional Health Board. Technical recommendations of the proposals using review criteria and blueprints are provided to the NCP Management Committee for consideration when making final funding decisions.
  
  
• The Environmental Trends Sub-Committee, chaired by INAC, oversees the annual review and revisions of the blueprint, directs the solicitation of proposals, reviews and oversees the revision of proposals, ensures the coordination of projects, and makes recommendations to the Management Committee. Membership on the sub-committee includes Inuit Circumpolar Conference - Canada (ICC-Canada), Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO)/Freshwater Institute, DFO/Institute of Ocean Sciences, Environment Canada (EC)/Canadian Wildlife Service(CWS), EC/Meteorological Survey of Canada (MSC), a Yukon Contaminants Committee (YCC) representative, and EC/National Water Research Institute (NWRI). Technical recommendations using review criteria and blueprints, and a ranking of the proposals are forwarded to the NCP Management Committee for consideration in making final funding decisions. The Sub-Committee also makes use of comments from two to three expert peer reviewers who review all of the proposals and how they fit in the Environmental Trends program.
  
  
• The Education/Communications Independent Review Team was established to conduct the technical review of the proposals submitted under the Education and Communications category. The Education and Communications Blueprint and review criteria are used to conduct the assessment of the proposals. As well, the chairs of the TCCs/NNHC may use their respective committees to assist in the review of proposals that are associated with their particular regions. Recommendations and a ranking of proposals are forwarded to the NCP Management Committee to be considered in making final funding decisions.

There are essentially three major levels of project review, as outlined in the attached figure entitled NCP Proposal Review and Project Funding Cycle. From the top down, they are:

i) NCP Management Committee

• gives final approval of funding decisions based on recommendations from the technical review teams, Territorial Contaminants Committees (TCCs), and the Nunavik Nutrition and Health Committee (NNHC);
  
  
• requests additional information from project proponent, if necessary, before making the final decision.

ii) Proposal Review Teams

• There are three committees responsible for the technical review of proposals: Human Health Review Team; Environmental Trends Sub-Committee; and Education/Communications Independent Review Team.
  
  
• These first two committees review Human Health and Environmental Trends proposals from a technical viewpoint according to established review criteria. Peer reviewers from outside the program provide technical comments on proposals for new Human Health projects (also according to a set of peer review criteria) and the entire Environmental Trends proposal package;
  
  
• The Education/Communications Independent Review Team reviews education and communications-related proposals from a technical and a social/cultural perspective according to established review criteria.
  
  
• Comments and funding recommendations from these teams are compiled and sent to the Management Committee.

iii) Regional Committees

Territorial Contaminants Committees

• Each territory has a Territorial Contaminants Committee - Yukon Contaminants Committee (YCC), NWT Environmental Contaminants Committee (NWT ECC), and the Niqiit Avatittinni Committee (NAC); additionally, a review committee exists for Nunavik (Nunavik Nutrition and Health Committee - NNHC).
  
  
• Each of these committees reviews all proposals for work proposed in their respective regions from a socio-cultural perspective.
  
  
• Territorial Contaminants Committees may also review education and communications-related proposals from a technical and social-cultural perspective according to established review criteria.
  
  
• Social-cultural comments/questions for the human health and environmental trends proposals are sent to the project proponents with the technical comments generated by the technical review teams.

Nunavik

• Proposals for the NCP are reviewed by the Nunavik Nutrition and Health Committee which includes representation from the various organizations in the regions. When necessary, proposals are sent to specific communities for their review and approval. The results of these reviews are communicated to Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) and are presented by both the NNHC representative and the ITK during NCP proposal review at the Management Committee level.

Considerable effort is made to ensure that results of the NCP are used in carrying out human health risk assessments and in substantiating the need for international/national controls for the contaminants of concern as outlined in the attached diagram entitled Use of Program Information in Key Management/Policy Initiatives.

The attached diagram entitled Protocol for Contaminants Health and Harvest Information Release in the Territories, Nunavik, and Northern Labrador outlines a protocol for release of health information that was developed for the three territories. It is well known that traditional/country foods are the major source of contaminant exposure to humans (with the exception of cadmium from cigarettes). NCP data, which measure contaminant levels in a food source and which suggest that there may be a concern to human health, are submitted to Health Canada for a Health Risk Assessment. There are four main activities, described below, under this protocol:

1. Validation/Verification of Data - Contaminant data that suggest that a risk assessment may be needed, are forwarded by the NCP project's initiating department or organization or a Management Committee representative to the NCP's Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) program for quality verification, as needed. The data are also sent to the NCP Secretariat to ensure that they are aware that the health assessment process has been initiated. In cases where the QA/QC procedures for the laboratory that carried out the analyses are unknown, then the data would be forwarded to the QA/QC Officer for quality verification. In cases where the specific laboratory is currently taking part in the NCP's QA/QC program, it may not be required that the data be forwarded to the program for verification. In either case, re-analyses of the samples may be required. This is usually done after consultation with the initiating organization, a territorial health representative, Health Canada, DIAND and the NCP Management Committee, as necessary.
   
   
2. Screening Process - The contaminants data are forwarded by the initiating department or organization to the applicable Territorial Contaminants Committee (TCC membership includes a territorial health official) for screening. The TCC determines if the data submitted warrant the conduct of an official Health Risk Assessment. If the data do not warrant a health assessment, then the TCC may still decide to release the data to the public through a number of communication methods (step iv below - information dissemination). For example, the TCC may issue a press release indicating that recent contaminant data for a specific food species does not pose a health concern to consumers. In cases where a health risk assessment is warranted, then the data are submitted to Health Canada by the TCC. In both cases, the data and results of the TCC's screening are forwarded to DIAND-HQ which in turn forwards the information to the NCP Management Committee, for their information. In some cases, the TCC, in consultation with Health Canada and DIAND-HQ, may determine that there is insufficient information to proceed with a human health risk assessment at that time and may request that further sampling and analyses be conducted. This may require further funding and, therefore, may require submission of a proposal to be reviewed and approved by the NCP Management Committee.
   
   
3. Health Assessment Process - A health risk assessment is carried out by Health Canada. When available, applicable human dietary information is used in the assessment. A health risk assessment is a calculation that compares the amount of contaminant in a food to the amount of contaminant that is known to be safe or will have no negative effect. Concern is for the amount of contaminants that people accumulate over a lifetime from eating traditional/country food. Therefore, health officials calculate an amount of that food that people could safely eat for the rest of their lives, with no apparent risk of effects. The calculation is usually reported as a “Recommended Maximum Weekly Intake” (RMWI). Health Canada, in consultation with the TCCs and DIAND-HQ may determine that there is insufficient information to proceed with a human health risk assessment at that time and may request that further sampling and analyses be conducted. This may require further funding and, therefore, may require submission of a proposal to be reviewed and approved by the NCP Management Committee.
   
   
4. Information Dissemination - The results of the health risk assessment are forwarded by Health Canada in association with the initiating agency and DIAND (NCP Secretariat) to the applicable TCC in the form of a letter of recommendations. The TCC determines the applicability of the HC recommendations to Northerners and then, in turn, devises a communication plan for the release of the information. The TCC ensures that the method of information release is culturally-sensitive and is available in a form that is understandable by the applicable communities. This is done with significant input from the northern Aboriginal organization representatives that sit on the TCCs. Depending on the significance of the risk assessment results, the information may be released through a number of methods including a press release, community meetings and individual face-to-face meetings. The territorial health departments, in association with the regional Aboriginal organizations and Health Canada, have the lead in ensuring that people receive the appropriate information. The results of the health risk assessment and the method of public release are carried out in full consultation with the NCP Secretariat. All information is forwarded by HC and the TCCs to the Secretariat, which, in turn, forwards the information to the NCP Management Committee.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Northern Contaminants Program (NCP) Management Committee is responsible for the overall management, coordination and strategic direction of the NCP which will be achieved by carrying out the following duties:

1. Set and re-align Northern Contaminants Program (NCP) priorities and ensure support for the approved intent and focus of the NCP by establishing and revising (as needed) the NCP Blueprints, i.e. the program's long-term strategic action plans, at least annually;
   
   
2. Ensure that all projects fit into the approved geographic scope of the program;
   
   
3. Facilitate the implementation of the NCP through partnership management;
   
   
4. Approve the project submission and review process;
   
   
5. Approve the planning year's program requirements and project proposals based on set limitations of the funding envelopes, program priorities, a policy/relevancy check against the blueprints, written consent for proposals by northern Aboriginal organizations and communities, and oversight of the process of scientific/technical, education and communications and socio-cultural reviews for project proposals.
   
   
6. Modify funding envelopes as required for each of the subprogram areas;
   
   
7. Review annual progress made on approved projects; and
   
   
8. Meet at least twice per year to carry out the duties and responsibilities listed above (this entails one meeting at the beginning of the fiscal year and another at mid-year).

Membership Criteria:

Membership is restricted to representatives from:

1. Government departments with public accountability and/or that provide funding for partnership management concerning the intent and focus of the Northern Contaminants Program. Currently the list of government departments that are represented on the Management Committee includes:
   • Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
   • Health Canada - First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Products and Food Branch
   • Fisheries and Oceans Canada - Freshwater Institute
   • Environment Canada - Meteorological Survey of Canada, National Water Research Institute, Environmental Protection Service and Canadian Wildlife Service
   • Government of Northwest Territories - Departments of Health and Social Services and Environment and Natural Resources
   • Government of Yukon - Departments of Health and Social Services and Environment
   • Nunavut Territory - Departments of Health and Social Services
   • Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services
   
   
2. Aboriginal Organizations that are accountable through an elected leadership to a national or territorial constituency who are consumers of northern traditionally harvested foods. These organizations currently include:
   • Council of Yukon First Nations
   • Dene Nation
   • Inuit Circumpolar Conference
   • Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
   
   
3. Chairs or representatives of the TCCs and NNHC. When the regional DIAND office does not hold the chair or co-chair of the TCC, they will have observer status at NCP Management Committee meetings, as their offices receive the regional funding to administer the TCCs.

NCP Proposal Review Checklist to be used by the NCP Management Committee

The following is a checklist to be used by the NCP Management Committee when making decisions on NCP Proposals:

1. Results of Scientific/Technical review by external peer reviewers and Review Teams
   
   
2. Results of Socio-Cultural review by Territorial/Regional Contaminants Committees
   
   
3. Results of Review of the Education and Communications Subprogram Proposals by the Education and Communications Independent Review Team.
   
   
4. Does the proposal provide a strategy for communicating results?
   
   
5. Is a written consent, if applicable, attached to the proposal?
   
   
6. Can the results be delivered within the NCP time frame?
   
   
7. Budget Review:
   1. is the level and duration of funding requested justified according to the stated objectives;
   2. has the project received or applied for other financial support;
   3. is there any in-kind associated support indicated; and,
   4. has the proposal budget been considered in relation to the set subprogram envelope?
   
   
8. Does the proponent have any outstanding deliverables from previously approved work? If so, is a funding hold-back or rejection of the current proposal warranted?

NORTHERN CONTAMINANTS PROGRAM MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

Revised: March 6, 2006

Committee Chair

Russel Shearer
A/Director, Northern Science & Contaminants Research
Northern Affairs Program, INAC
Les Terrasses de la Chaudiere
Room 660, 10 Wellington Street
GATINEAU QC KlA 0H4
Tel: 819-994-7484
Fax: 819-953-9066
E-Mail:shearerr@ainc-inac.gc.ca

Indian and Northern Affairs

Brett Hartshorne
Chair, Yukon Contaminants Committee
Indian and Northern Affairs
Yukon Region
300 - 300 Main Street, Room 415C
WHITEHORSE YT Y1A 2B5
Tel: 867-667-3268
Fax: 867-667-3261
E-Mail:hartshorneb@ainc-inac.gc.ca

Natalie Plato/Stephanie Hawkins
Director, Contaminated Sites
Nunavut Region
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
969 Qimugjuk Building, 2^nd Floor
P.O. Box 2200
IQALUIT NU X0A 0H0
Tel: 867-979-7934/867-979-7945
Fax: 867-979-7939/867-979-7939
E-Mail: PlatoN@ainc-inac.gc.ca
E-Mail: hawkinss@ainc-inac.gc.ca

Environment Canada

Jim Maguire
Director, Aquatic Ecosystem Protection Branch
Environment Canada
Room L640A
867 Lakeshore Road, P.O. Box 5050
BURLINGTON ON L7R 4A6
Tel: 905-336-4927
Fax: 905-336-6430
E-Mail:jim.maguire@ec.gc.ca

Cheryl L. Heathwood, P. Eng.
Chief, Hazardous Air Pollution Division
Environment Canada
351 St. Joseph Blvd., 11^th Floor
GATINEAU QC K1A 0H3
Tel: 819-953-7157
Fax: 819-953-8963
E-Mail:cheryl.heathwood@ec.gc.ca

Cathy Banic
Air Quality Research Division
Meteorological Service of Canada
Environment Canada, 4905 Dufferin Street
DOWNSVIEW ON M3H 5T4
Tel: 416-739-4613
Fax: 416-739-4224
E-Mail:cathy.banic@ec.gc.ca

W. Keith Marshall
Chief, Wildlife Toxicology Division
National Wildlife Research Centre
Canadian Wildlife Service
Environment Canada
Carleton University, Raven Road
OTTAWA ON K1A 0H3
Tel: 613-998-0450
Fax: 613-998-0458
E-Mail:keith.marshall@ec.gc.ca

Fisheries and Oceans

Donald Cobb/Marty Bergmann
Marine Environment Quality Coordinator
Fisheries & Oceans Canada
Environmental Science Division
501 University Crescent
WINNIPEG MB R3T 2N6
Tel: 204-983-5135/204-983-3776
Fax: 204-984-2403/204-984-2401
E-Mail:cobbd@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
E-Mail:bergmannm@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Health Canada

Roy Kwiatkowski/Constantine Tikhonov
Director, Environmental Research Division
Primary Health Care and Public Health Directorate
Room 1579D, 15th Floor, Jeanne Mance Building
Tunney's Pasture, PL 1915D
OTTAWA ON K1A 0K9
Tel: 613-952-2828/613-941-5748
Fax: 613-954-0692/613-954-0692
E-Mail:roy_kwiatkowski@hc-sc.gc.ca
E-Mail:Constantine_Tikhonov@hc-sc.gc.ca

Samuel Ben Rejeb/Mark Feeley
A/Director, Bureau of Chemical Safety
Food Directorate, Health Canada
Sir Frederick Banting Research Centre
1 Ross Avenue, PL 2203 D
OTTAWA ON K1A 0L2
Tel: 613-957-0944/613-957-1314
Fax: 613-941-4775/613-957-1688
E-Mail:Samuel_BenRejeb@hc-sc.gc.ca
E-Mail:mark_feeley@hc-sc.gc.ca

Jay Van Oostdam
Epidemiological Advisor
Health Canada
Management of Toxics Division
BMO Building, 4^th Fl, Rm 046
269 Laurier Ave W
AL 4904 B
OTTAWA ON KlA 0k9
Tel: 613-941-3570
Fax: 613-941-9238
E-Mail:jay_van_oostdam@hc-sc.gc.ca

Aboriginal Organizations

Chris Heron
Chair, NWTECC
Northwest Territory Metis Nation
Box 720 (206 McDougal)
FORT SMITH NT X0E 0P0
Tel:867-872-2770
Fax:867-872-2772
E-Mail:rcc@nwtmn.ca

Lorne Napier
Manager
Land & Environment, Dene Nation
4701 Franklin Ave., 2^nd Floor
P.O. Box 2338
YELLOWKNIFE NT X1A 2P7
Tel: 867-873-4081
Fax: 867-920-2254
E-Mail:lnapier@denenation.com

Cindy Dickson
Northern Contaminants Program Co-ordinator
Council of Yukon First Nations
11 Nisutlin Drive
WHITEHORSE YT Y1A 3S4
Tel: 867-393-9214
Fax: 867-668-6577
E-Mail:cdickson@cyfn.net

Eric Loring
Environmental Contaminants Research Division
Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
170 Laurier Avenue West, 12^th Floor
OTTAWA ON K1P 5V5
Tel: 613-238-8181
Fax: 613-234-1991
E-Mail:loring@itk.ca

Stephanie Meakin
Technical Advisor
Inuit Circumpolar Conference Canada
269 South Gower Drive, R.R.#2
KEMPTVILLE ON K0G 1J0
Tel: 613-258-9470
Fax: 613-258-7621
E-Mail: smeakin@allstream.net

Government of the Northwest Territories

Jack MacKinnon
Manager, Health Protection
Population Health
Department of Health and Social Services
Government of the Northwest Territories
P.O. Box 1320 (5022 - 49^th Street, 6^th Floor, X1A 3R8)
YELLOWKNIFE NT X1A 2L9
Tel: 867-920-3241
Fax: 867-873-0442
E-Mail:Jack_Mackinnon@gov.nt.ca

Ray Case
Manager, Technical Support,
Wildlife and Fisheries
Dept. of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development
600, 5102 - 50 Avenue
YELLOWKNIFE NT X1A 3S8
Tel: 867-920-8067
Fax: 867-873-0293
E-Mail:raycase@gov.nt.ca

Government of Yukon

Bryce Larke,
Yukon Medical Health Officer
#4 Hospital Road
WHITEHORSE YT Y1A 3H8
Tel: 867-667-5716
Fax: 867-667-8349
E-Mail: bryce.larke@gov.yk.ca

Ruth Hall
Contaminated Sites Coordinator
Environmental Programs Branch (V-8)
Department of Environment
Government of Yukon, Box 2703 (Mailing: 10 Burns Road, Whitehorse YT Y1A 4Y9)
WHITEHORSE YT Y1A 2C6
Tel: 867-667-5851
Fax: 867-393-6205
E-Mail:ruth.hall@gov.yk.ca

Government of Nunavut

Dr. Isaac Sobol
Chief Medical Officer of Health
Department of Health and Social Services
P.O. Box 1000, Station 1000
IQALUIT NU X0A 0H0
Tel: 867-975-5772
Fax: 867-975-5755
E-Mail: isobol@gov.nu.ca

Nunavik Region

Serge Déry/Chris Furgal
Director of Public Health
Nunavik Regional Board of Health and
 Social Services
P.O. Box 900
KUUJUAQ QC J0M 1C0
Tel: 819-964-2222/418-666-7000 X555
Fax: 819-964-2888/418-666-2776
E-Mail:serge_dery@ssss.gouv.qc.ca
E-Mail:christopher.furgal@crchul.ulaval.ca

1. History of Territorial Contaminants Committees

• In 1989 the Government of the Northwest Territories formed an environmental contaminants committee, that was primarily focussed on health issues and communicating results from the Broughton Island study. With the creation of the NCP, this committee expanded its role, particularly with the inclusion of more technical members, to encompass NCP work. In 1997, reorganization resulted in the formation of a second committee, the NWT Environmental Contaminants Committee (NWT ECC), whose current primary focus is the NCP. The NWT ECC reports to the NCP Management Committee on NCP-related matters.
• In the Yukon, the Yukon Contaminants Committee (YCC) was formed solely for NCP work. Its formation was triggered by a health advisory issued in 1991 involving toxaphene in fish in some Yukon lakes, and its role has expanded from there. The YCC also reports to the NCP Management Committee on NCP-related matters.
• Nunavut has had a long history of involvement in the contaminants issue through participation on the NWT ECC. In May 2000, a formal Nunavut Environmental Contaminants Committee was established, modelled after the NWT ECC. In 2003, due partly to an increased focus on health issues, the NECC evolved into the Niqiit Avatittinni Committee (NAC).

2. Considerations when defining NCP-related roles and responsibilities of TCCs

• The present scope of the TCCs is larger than the NCP scope, particularly in the NWT.
• The TCCs provide the opportunity for local issues to be brought to a regional level.
• A description of NCP-related roles and responsibilities for the TCCs would not preclude other roles and responsibilities outside the NCP.
• Since each TCC is different, a basic common framework for NCP activities rather than a standardized approach would be more appropriate.
• The NCP should keep in mind the level of funding provided when considering what is expected of TCCs.

3. Work items and duties requested of TCCs by NCP

• reports to the NCP Management Committee
• provides effective communication and two-way transfer of information
• assists in the reporting of health advisories and other information
• assists communities and other groups in securing funding for contaminant issues from the most appropriate sources
• provides NCP information to regional representatives of Management Committee members (e.g. EC, DFO)
• facilitates writing of proposals that are initiated at the community level
• coordinates the preparation of education and communications proposals according to the blueprint and within the block funding guidelines.
• reviews relevant NCP proposals (i.e. those proposing work in the region) from a regional and sociocultural perspective and provides guidance to proponents regarding consultation and communications necessary for their projects
• reviews all blueprints and identifies information gaps
• prepares and maintains materials for community presentations
• provides primary operational guidance on the effectiveness and results of communications/education component

Yukon Contaminants Committee Operating Philosophy [2005]

Background

The Yukon Contaminants Committee (YCC) was formed in 1992 in response to elevated levels of contaminants in fish from several lakes located in southern Yukon. The YCC was created from an existing committee started in 1991 to deal specifically with PCB's and toxaphene in Lake Laberge. The original committee was large and too cumbersome to operate efficiently, so in 1992 a smaller committee was formed, with DIAND as the Chair. Since that time the Committee has expanded to roles beyond the Northern Contaminants Program.

The basic roles of the committee are:

• promote research on contaminants in the Yukon;
  
  
• review research proposals on contaminants research in the Yukon;
  
  
• communicate the latest results of research to the Yukon public;
  
  
• provide a venue for the Yukon public to seek answers regarding contaminants in Yukon

The YCC decided not to establish formal Terms of Reference, but operates as a consensus based committee with an open membership.

Operational Basis:

- DIAND is Chair and provides the administrative support and principal contact;
- CYFN provides liaison with Yukon First Nations and the alternate contact for the YCC
- Consensus-based decision making;
- Open membership - all volunteer;
- Meetings as required.

Current Membership:

Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
Council of Yukon First Nations
Yukon Conservation Society
Yukon College
Yukon Territorial Government
- Renewable Resources
- Health and Social Services
Environment Canada
Yukon Conservation Society

Other interested members of the Yukon government/public

YCC Responsibilities to the NCP:

- review all Yukon NCP proposals for:

• Consultation
• Social/cultural content
• Applicability and benefit to the Yukon

- provide Yukon-based advice to the NCP Management Committee as required
- provide a Yukon/NCP link

Meetings:

The YCC meets at least twice per year with additional meetings as required.

NWT ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINANTS COMMITTEE

Terms of Reference

1.0 PURPOSE

The NWT Environmental Contaminants Committee is established to facilitate the efforts to address concerns arising from environmental contaminants in the NWT. The committee will provide information that will assist Northerners in making sound decisions related to contaminants and the environment. This committee will serve as a means of exchanging contaminants information between researchers, relevant organizations, contaminant programs and Northerners.

The responsibility of the delivery of health advice related to environmental contaminants remains the mandate of the Department of Health and Social Services, Government of Northwest Territories.

2.0 RATIONALE

Contaminants in the environment, which generally include, but are not restricted to, persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals, and radionuclides, are relevant to Northerners as studies have detected them in parts of the ecosystem at concentrations higher than expected. Because of the close relationship to the land that exists for people in the North, there is a need for the coordination of efforts to understand the effects of contaminants in the environment.

3.0 ACTIVITIES

The NWT Environmental Contaminants Committee shall, through a non-political forum, assist in the process of collaborative study, assessment and communication of information to Northerners about the presence and possible effects of contaminants in the air, land, water and wildlife by:

• facilitating the two-way transfer of information and concerns among Northerners and regional, territorial, national and international bodies;
• facilitating a contaminants communications network that ensures Northerners are informed and involved in contaminant related activities;
• identifying community priorities and information gaps related to environmental contaminants research;
• providing updates on research activities in the NWT that relate to environmental contaminants;
• cataloguing contacts and resource materials regarding environmental contaminants;
• developing appropriate communication strategies to effectively relay information regarding contaminants;
• providing advice on appropriate funding sources;
• reviewing NCP proposals related to the NWT on an annual basis;
• reviewing Local Contaminants Concerns (LCC) proposals throughout the year;
• facilitating the development or review of NWT proposals; and
• relaying information in accordance with appropriate guidelines and procedures of the various governmental departments and organizations.

4.0 COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

4.1 COMMITTEE STRUCTURE

The Committee shall be headed by a Chairperson and a Vice-Chairperson, at least one of which shall be from an aboriginal organization.

The Committee shall be assisted by the NWT ECC Secretariat.

A quorum shall exist at a meeting when 50% or more of the Committee members are present with at least one representative from each of government and aboriginal organizations.

The Committee shall achieve consensus in its decisions. Decisions can be made by majority vote (min. 75% + 1) of members present.

4.2 COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

The membership of the Committee is outlined in Table 1.

Requests for changes to the membership should be submitted to the Chairperson in writing in May, and reviewed by the NWT ECC during the spring meeting.

4.3 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Members of the Committee are responsible for:

the two-way transfer of information, activities and concerns from the Committee to the members of their organization and from their members to the Committee;

participating in NCP and Local Contaminants Concerns proposal reviews;

provision of updates on NCP and other contaminant related activities of their membership; and

ensuring that new representatives are aware of their roles and responsibilities.

4.4 COMMITTEE OBSERVERS

Representatives from other agencies, organizations and federal and territorial departments or additional representatives from Committee Member agencies may participate in the work of the Committee at the invitation of the Chair, and will be considered observers to the Committee.

Observers are not included in the quorum number for decision making.

5.0 CHAIRPERSON

The Chairperson and Vice-chairperson for the Committee shall be chosen each year by the members of the Committee.

The Chairperson shall delegate responsibilities in circumstances of conflict of interest or inability to perform duties to the Vice-chairperson.

The Chairperson or the Vice-chairperson for the Committee are responsible for assisting in briefing new committee members.

The Chairperson and the Vice-chairperson are responsible for setting the agenda of committee meetings.

The Chairperson shall provide direction to the Secretariat.

The Chairperson and Vice-chairperson shall act as representatives for the Committee in other related activities, as directed by the Committee.

6.0 SECRETARIAT

The Secretariat shall submit the annual reports for the NWT ECC.

The Secretariat shall arrange the committee meetings and provide administrative functions.

The Secretariat shall review project progress and reports, and coordinate presentations for results reporting workshop.

The Secretariat shall be responsible for communication materials and act as a liaison between the NWT ECC and researchers and communities.

The Secretariat shall maintain the NWT ECC Library.

7.0 FINANCE

A budget will be secured from the NCP for the operation of the Committee and secretariat support.

Funding will be secured from other sources, when appropriate.

The Committee may apply for project-specific funds from the NCP and other programs.

8.0 REPORTING

The Committee shall report to the Management Committee of the Northern Contaminants Program and other agencies as applicable.

The Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the Committee shall submit annual reports to the members of the Committee and to any interested party detailing the activities and recommendations made during the previous year.

The Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson of the Committee shall make available to any interested party the information discussed during the Committee meetings, as long as doing so does not violate the mandate of any member.

9.0 SCHEDULE

The Committee shall meet not less than once a year in order to verify membership, review Terms of Reference and elect Chairpersons.

TABLE 1. NWT ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINANTS COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

The membership includes:

• Dene Nation;
• Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami;
• Akaitcho Territory Tribal Council;
• Dehcho First Nations;
• Dogrib Treaty 11 Council;
• Gwich'in Tribal Council;
• Inuvialuit Game Council;
• North Slave Metis Alliance;
• Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated;
• Northwest Territory Metis Nation;
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada;
• Indian and Northern Affairs Canada;
• Environment Canada;
• GNWT Health and Social Services;
• GNWT Environment and Natural Resources; and
• Aurora Research Institute.

APPENDIX A - ELECTION PROCESS FOR THE NWT ECC

A Call for Election shall be one month prior to the election. The election will be held at the NWT ECC meeting, and can only occur if quorum is held.

A member of the Committee shall recommend an organization/ government department for the position of Chair or Vice Chair.

The committee member (nominator) shall only nominate one position at a time, but is not restricted to nominating only one position.

The nomination must be supported by another committee member.

Once the nomination has been put forth and seconded, the nominated member shall accept or decline the nomination.

The nominator may suggest another organization/ government department for the remaining position.

Once seconded, the proposed organization/ department shall at that time accept or decline the nomination.

The nominated organization/ department may accept a nomination for one or both of the available positions.

Multiple parties may be nominated for both or either position.

The nominator can recommend an organization/ department once, for either of the available positions, but the nominator retains the right to rescind their nomination, at any point prior to the election. If rescinded the nominator may nominate another organization.

Once all the nominations have been put forth and accepted, if there are multiple delegates running for one or both of the positions, an election will be held. This will include a proxy vote for those members who are not available to attend the meeting in person. The secretariat will ensure that every voting member will have the opportunity to place their vote, if they choose to participate.

If there are no contenders for either one or both of the positions, the nominated members will be appointed to their accepted station.

An organization/ department shall only hold one elected seat as either Chair or Vice Chair.

The purpose of Technical Review Teams is to facilitate the scientific/technical review of project proposals, while ensuring that impartiality is maintained throughout the proposal review process. There are two Technical Review Teams: the Human Health Review Team, which is co-chaired by Constantine Tikhonov, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (Health Canada) and Jill Watkins, NCP Secretariat (INAC); and the Environmental Trends related to Human Health and International Controls subcommittee, chaired by Jason Stow, NCP Secretariat (INAC). The following duties would be carried out by the Review Teams:

1. Ensure that the blueprints are used in the scientific peer review and proposal evaluation and conduct a relevancy check against the blueprints.
   
   
2. Ensure the scientific and technical credibility of project proposals.
   
   
3. Select the appropriate peer reviewers and send the proposals to them for their review.
   
   
4. Ensure that the peer reviewers remain anonymous to proponents.
   
   
5. Ensure that results of peer reviews are received on time.
   
   
6. Ensure that the guidelines and criteria set for the numerical rating of proposals are adhered to.
   
   
7. Ensure that the conflict of interest guidelines are adhered to.
   
   
8. Conduct a peer review (Human Health subprogram only) where appropriate to consider items such as standard cost for analytical analyses, the identification of co-funding and/or in-kind support, etc.
   
   
9. Review continuing multi-year project proposals using the review criteria and blueprints.
   
   
10. Consolidate comments received from peer reviewers, as appropriate, and provide an overall rating to the proposals based on the guidelines/criteria. The Review Teams will forward all comments to the NCP Secretariat at INAC HQ, which in turn will send them to the NCP Management Committee for their consideration when making final funding decisions.

NCP PROPOSAL REVIEW CRITERIA FOR TECHNICAL REVIEW TEAMS

(Human Health and Environmental Trends subprograms [1])

TECHNICAL REVIEW TEAM RELEVANCE CRITERIA

40 Does the research proposal address one of the key research needs outlined in the appropriate blueprint? If not, then no further consideration of the proposal is necessary. If it does, then what level of priority is given to that research need in the blueprint? (Note: this question should be asked before the proposal is sent out for peer review. If the answer is no, then the proposal should not be sent out for peer review.)

20 Does the research proposal have greater relevance for northern populations/issues than southern populations/issues?

15 Does the budget seem appropriate (e.g. reasonable charges for sample analysis, etc.) and is other funding/in-kind support identified?

15 What is the “track record” of the principal investigator, i.e. on delivering results, on scientific excellence, etc.?

10 Can the results be delivered within the Northern Contaminants Program time frame?

Y/N If this research project directly impacts northern communities or Aboriginal groups, have they been consulted and do they support this research? Have the proponents addressed the Northern Contaminants Program revised Guidelines for Responsible Research and provided a written consent (where applicable)?

PEER REVIEWER REVIEW CRITERIA (Human Health Subprogram only)

Conflict of Interest Guidelines for Peer Reviewers and Review Team Members

A conflict of interest is deemed to exist when the peer reviewer or Review Team member:

• Is the applicant or co-applicant;
• Has an immediate family link to the applicant; or
• When the Review Team has just cause to believe that a peer reviewer or Review Team members should not be involved in a particular review

A peer reviewer or Review Team member that falls into one or more of the above situations must declare the conflict before engaging in any deliberations on the project proposal in question and must not take part in any vote or other means of determining the outcome of that applicants' proposal. The Review Team member will be asked to leave the room when a decision is being made on the proposal for which a conflict exists.

Terms of Reference for the Education and Communications Independent Review Team

The responsibility of the Education and Communications Independent Review Team is to conduct the review of project proposals submitted to the Education and Communications subprogram of the NCP from both a technical and a social/cultural perspective, while ensuring that impartiality is maintained throughout the proposal review process. The composition of this Review Team is still being finalized, but the Management Committee has agreed that it should include Aboriginal communicators and educators.

The following duties will be carried out by the Education and Communications Independent Review Team:

1. Ensure that proposals fit within the scope of the NCP as outlined in the Education and Communications blueprint, including the national and appropriate regional strategies.
   
   
2. Proposals should be reviewed in the context of the appropriate regional strategies and the package of proposals being put forward by the three education and communications blocks, i.e. Yukon, NWT Dene and Metis, and Inuit.
   
   
3. Review all proposals, including continuing multi-year project proposals, submitted to the Education and Communications subprogram of the NCP, using the Education and Communications Review criteria.
   
   
4. Ensure that the guidelines and criteria set for the review of proposals are adhered to.
   
   
5. When necessary, the Review Team will seek external information in order to complete the review (e.g. for consideration of details such as standard costs of budget items).
   
   
6. If a proposal is received without the appropriate consent form, the Chair will contact the proponent directly and inform the NCP Secretariat (INAC-HQ).
   
   
7. Ensure that the Conflict of Interest Guidelines are adhered to.
   
   
8. Forward all comments on the proposals, including an overall rating, to the NCP Secretariat (INAC-HQ) who, in turn, will consolidate them and send a summary to the NCP Management Committee for their consideration when making funding decisions.

CRITERIA FOR REVIEW OF PROPOSALS TO THE NORTHERN CONTAMINANTS PROGRAM

EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATIONS SUBPROGRAM

There are important aspects of NCP proposals that are not necessarily appreciated by a technical review, for example, communications of project results or use of traditional knowledge. In order to consider such aspects in the NCP proposal approval process, the TCCs/NNHC conduct a social/cultural review of each scientific proposal (proposals submitted under the Human Health, or Environmental Trends related to Human Health and International Controls subprograms) .

The responsibility of the Social/Cultural Review is to review all proposals considered for funding under the NCP from a social/cultural perspective, using the social/cultural review criteria (see overleaf).

The following duties will be carried out by the Review Team:

1. Review all NCP proposals, except Education and Communications proposals, from a social/cultural perspective. All proposals, including multi-year ones, will undergo a social/cultural review on an annual basis.
   
   
2. Ensure that the social/cultural review criteria are considered when reviewing the social/cultural aspects of the proposals.
   
   
3. Evaluate the consultation carried out to date, and determine what additional consultation is required to be carried out by the proponent (see below).
   
   
4. If a proposal is received without the appropriate consent form, the Review Team Chair will contact the proponent directly and inform the NCP (INAC-HQ) Secretariat.
   
   
5. Ensure that the conflict of interest guidelines are adhered to.
   
   
6. Forward clear recommendations regarding consultation to the NCP Secretariat, which will in turn contact the proponent and ask him/her to carry out the recommended consultation.
   
   
7. Forward all comments on the proposals, including an overall rating, to the DIAND-HQ Secretariat who in turn will send them to the NCP Management Committee for their consideration when making funding decisions.

Further Guidance on Consultation:

The territorial/regional contaminants committees will determine the appropriate consultation needed for projects in their regions, but there is a recognition that not all projects require the same level of consultation (e.g. Human Health projects vs. computer modelling projects). With this difference in mind, the following is a guideline for minimum levels of consultation required. The TCCs/NNHC may recommend further consultation in addition to the minimum.

1. Human Health projects (active or archived samples): consultation needed with the territorial/regional health authority and/or the appropriate health centre
2. Biotic/Wildlife projects (active sampling): consultation needed with the community and the HTO/HTC (Hunters and Trappers Organization/Committee) at the appropriate level (regional and/or local)
3. Biotic/Wildlife projects (archived samples): consultation not necessarily needed if the original sampling agreement covered further analysis
4. Abiotic projects (active sampling): consultation needed with communities close to the sampling sites
5. Abiotic projects (archived samples): consultation not necessarily needed
6. Laboratory-based/Modelling projects: consultation not necessarily needed, except where specified by TCCs/NNHC

Criteria for Social/Cultural Review of NCP Proposals (to be carried out by the relevant TCCs/NNHC)

Applicable to: Proposals to the Human Health, and Environmental Trends related to Human Health and International Controls subprograms

Each proposal will receive a High, Medium, or Low rating accompanying a narrative concerning the review of that proposal by the relevant TCC/NNHC. For example, a box such as that given below will be completed for each proposal.

I. INTRODUCTION

The following document represents a guideline to communications planning to assist Northern Contaminants Program (NCP) project leaders in initiating community contacts and developing research agreements with communities. Ultimately, the objective is that communications/participation planning will become integral to research proposal development.

II. KEY POINTS

The following are key points to consider when planning communications and community participation in NCP projects:

A. Consultation

1. Consult early with the Territorial/regional Contaminants Committees (TCCs/NNHC), before and during the development of a proposal.
   
   
2. During consultation, researchers should explain the potential beneficial and harmful effects of the research on individuals, communities and/or the environment.
   
   
3. No undue pressure should be applied to obtain consent for participation in a research project.
   
   
4. Greater consideration should be placed on the risks to cultural values than to potential contributions of the research to knowledge.
   
   
5. Researchers must fulfill the requirements as outlined in the Revised Consultation Requirements for Northern Contaminants Program Projects: Process and Documentation and its associated Statement of Consultation and Approval of Consultation forms.

B. Research Obligations

1. Research should include community participation in the identification of research topics and priorities.
   
   
2. Community participation in project planning and implementation goes beyond “moral” obligations, rather it is a legal and constitutional requirement associated with land claims.
   
   
3. For all parties to benefit from research, efforts should be made, where practical, to employ and train local (especially Aboriginal) researchers and assistants.
   
   
4. It is important to develop approaches to research that are responsive to local or regional needs. Consultation with the TCCs/NNHC and Aboriginal organizations is a good mechanism for achieving this.
   
   
5. Research must respect sacred sites, cultural materials, and cultural properties.
   
   
6. Subject to requirements for confidentiality, publications should give appropriate credit to everyone who contributes to the research.
   
   
7. All project leaders are required to prepare a report on their project for inclusion in the annual NCP Synopsis of Research report, as well as a Plain Language Summary of Project Results, to be used by the TCCs/NNHC for communications purposes.

C. Research Relationships

1. Community-researcher relationships should be established early on in the project planning process, outlining details of “level of consultation” and “mutual obligations” for each partner. This will ensure a meaningful two-way exchange of information.
   
   
2. Researchers and communities may wish to set out the parameters of their agreements and understandings in a Memorandum of Understanding. A number of good examples are available for reference (e.g. research agreements with the Dene Nation and the Centre for Indigenous Peoples' Nutrition and Environment).
   
   
3. From the NCP perspective, development of researcher-community relationships is a dynamic and evolving process. As research projects progress, common elements will emerge regarding the perceptions, needs, and resource/capacity strengths of individual communities and researchers, including their criteria and preferred form of participation in scientific research projects.
   
   
4. The right to refuse participation always rests with the individual at any point in any study.

D. Communications

1. Researchers are advised to contact the appropriate TCC/NNHC for advice on communications planning during the development of their proposal.
   
   
2. Researchers should incorporate TCC/NNHC advice on communication into their proposal. Communication of results should include consideration of media other than printed reports. Examples of effective methods for information dissemination include: face-to-face discussion, local radio, CD-ROM, pamphlets, videos and web sites. Many of these can successfully present highlights of several projects or categories of research activity over several years. Public presentations that allow for little interaction are seldom regarded as useful. TCCs/NNHC will direct the project leader if communication of results is required.
   
   
3. Communication support materials, such as pamphlets, posters and videos, should not be seen as solutions to communications problems, but as tools to be used in combination with person-to-person communication. Communications support materials should be sent to the appropriate Territorial/regional Contaminants Committee for review.
   
   
4. Translation of summary reports into local languages is recognized as critical and should be done wherever possible/appropriate.

E. Reporting of Specific Health Risk Results

1. The existing protocol for reporting results from human health risk assessments (from analysis of fish/wildlife contaminants burdens) must be adhered to. The decision to conduct such assessments is part of this protocol.
   
   
2. Researchers must ensure the accuracy of their results since these may influence decisions and policy that can directly affect individuals and communities.
   
   
3. There is a process to prepare contingency plans if results are reported that require some form of intervention or action, in relation to reporting of individual human results. This is done by the responsible health authority (e.g. territorial departments of health and social services) in consultation with the Territorial/regional Contaminants Committees, the four NCP Aboriginal Partners, and the NCP Management Committee.

III. RESEARCHER GUIDELINES FOR PLANNING COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN NCP PROJECTS

All Projects

Refer to the Consultation Requirements for Northern Contaminants Program Projects: Process and Documentation and its associated forms. All project proposals to be considered for funding under the Northern Contaminants Program must include a Statement of Consultation form. TCCs/NNHC will recommend further consultation steps, if needed. In addition, for proposed projects in which any portion of the project is to be conducted within Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Yukon Territory, Labrador or Nunavik (including, in some cases, projects using archived samples previously collected from one or more of these regions), project proponents must arrange to have signed Approval of Consultation forms or equivalent letters of support submitted by the appropriate approval bodies.

It will continue to be the responsibility of individual researchers to determine the institutional requirements (external to the NCP) relevant to their specific projects. These may include federal, territorial and land claims permit and regulatory conditions.

The following is a guide to project leaders on key contact and reporting requirements during the planning and execution stages of an NCP project, arranged according to the type of project, i.e. a study involving data on humans, an ecosystem study not involving data on humans, or a study with no northern sampling or contact. Project leaders are encouraged to contact the appropriate Territorial/regional Contaminants Committee to obtain relevant contact names and addresses.

A. Projects Involving Data on Humans

This category is for projects which involve data on humans, including medical or social information.

Prior to NCP funding application:

Project proponents should contact the following:

1. Contact: NCP representatives of TCCs/NNHC
   NOTE: As indicated in the Consultation Requirements for Northern Contaminants Program Projects: Process and Documentation, project proponents are required to contact the appropriate TCCs before contacting any communities.
   
   Purpose: Initiate northern consultation
   Awareness of projects and nature/purpose of research
   Request signed Approval of Consultation forms or equivalent letters of support.
   
   
2. Contact: Follow the recommendations of the TCCs/NNHC. This may require sending letters to leaders of communities in which research is intended to occur (e.g. Hamlet, First Nation, Band Council, Métis Local, HTOs); cc. relevant NCP Aboriginal Partner.
   
   Purpose: Indicate that a proposal is being submitted Describe general nature of project, purpose, background, timelines, etc.
   Describe other contacts within the community that are being made as part of proposal preparation (e.g. health centre, community health committee).
   Explain timing of NCP funding application process (funding approval, need for community endorsement). Request signed Approval of Consultation forms or equivalent letters of support
   
   
3. Contact: Regional Health Board and/or Territorial Health Department; community health centre/representative (health committee if applicable); It is expected that contact would be initiated by letter with follow-up by telephone required.
   
   Purpose: Describe project, background/context, purpose, general methodology, etc.
   Explain what/how/why/when project results will be used. Receive general input on project proposal/method and planning.
   Receive general input on plan for dissemination of information about the study (to community, to study participants, to health workers).
   Clarify existing protocols for results reporting/release. Briefly describe and receive general input on plan for results reporting (to individuals, to community, etc.). It may be helpful to provide information which provides context for the project in terms of the NCP as a whole. The annual Summary of NCP Projects booklet may be a useful tool for this. Request signed Approval of Consultation forms or equivalent letters of support.

Following funding approval:

Contact: Based on contacts and information received above

Purpose: Inform that the project has received funding approval and indicate schedule/timeline
Identify training/employment opportunities.
Finalize details of project planning, recalling three different groups of information recipients: I) community at large, ii) individual participants, and
iii) health workers. Allow for meetings with community representatives, as requested.
Finalize details of plan and protocol for delivery/communications of results prior to commencing sampling. This includes provision for anonymity and confidentiality (at the community level as well) as agreed upon during project planning.
Explain and clarify use of the project results (peer reviewed scientific literature, education, contribution to decision-making processes, etc.).

Reporting: Reporting will be based upon the plan and protocol for delivery as agreed upon with the community. This may include interim progress reports at specified intervals.

B. Projects Directly Involving the Arctic Ecosystem

This category is for ecosystem studies which do not include human data, but involve any biotic sampling (terrestrial, marine or freshwater) or physical/chemical field studies (e.g. air, snow/ice, water, soil, sediment).

Prior to NCP funding application:

1. Contact: NCP representatives of TCCs/NNHC
   NOTE: As indicated in the Consultation Requirements for Northern Contaminants Program Projects: Process and Documentation, project proponents are requested to contact the appropriate TCCs/NNHC before contacting any communities.
   Purpose: Initiate northern consultation Develop awareness of projects and nature/purpose of research Request signed Approval of Consultation forms or equivalent letters of support.
   
   
2. Contact: Letter to regional organization(s) in region where work will be conducted [e.g. Regional Inuit Association (Kivalliq, Qikiqtani, Kitikmeot, etc.); land administrator (e.g. in Inuvialuit); Regional or Tribal Councils (Gwich'in, Sahtu, Dogrib, etc.); Regional Self- Governing First Nations];
   cc. relevant NCP Aboriginal Partners
   cc. nearby communities - the project and all its associated activities may be visible to northern residents. This is not restricted to on-site methodology, but may include activities such as repeated overflights, cruises, camp set-up, etc. Community/regional/national contacts should provide researchers with input if the communication plan (list of contacted communities) requires adjustment.
   cc. Renewable Resource Officers or INAC district offices in nearby communities.
   The initial contact letter could indicate the final response date beyond which the researcher will assume no major concerns/comments/suggestions from the community. Followup by telephone is essential.
   
   Purpose: Inform that project is being proposed Describe project, background/context, purpose, general methodology, etc.
   (include general description of field activities, e.g. camp set-up, cruises, etc.).
   Provide researcher contacts.
   Explain what/how/why/when project results will be used and reported.
   Request general input on project proposal, sampling plan, plan for reporting results to community.
   Explain timing of NCP funding application process (funding approval, need for community endorsement). Request signed Approval of Consultation forms or equivalent letters of support.

Following funding approval:

Contact: As above and/or as determined from contacts made above e.g. recommendations for contacts with First Nations or Band Councils, Hunters and Trappers Associations or Committees, fish and wildlife management boards, game councils, etc.

Purpose: Inform that project has received funding approval and can proceed Provide schedule and description of intended field activities, etc.
Identify local training/employment opportunities.
Inform of all intended or potential future uses of collected samples (e.g., archiving).
Where interest is expressed, receive input on sampling plan.
Where applicable, request permission for access to lands, wildlife (e.g. exclusive or preferential harvest rights under land claims).

Reporting: Review existing protocols for information dissemination Inform of timing for data availability and options for reporting of project-specific results.

Inform community of available general information (summary reports, etc.) and option to receive copies if requested. Identify community requirements/desires for results reporting.

C. Projects with No Direct Northern Contact or Sampling

This category is for projects with no northern sampling or contact, e.g. modelling, inventories, laboratory-based physical/chemical studies (such as volatilization studies), and databases.

Contact: NCP representatives of TCCs/NNHC

Purpose: Awareness of projects and nature/purpose of research, availability/accessibility of general information related to this kind of research

Reporting: Layman's summary of project activities, with contact names and explanation of project purpose (general as well as relative to NCP goals). Other media such as a state of the environment video, assessment reports, etc. should be considered to present the overall highlights of this category of research, rather than (or in addition to) reporting on details from individual projects.

1. New criteria are under development for the Environmental Trends subprogram, in response to its more prescribed nature and shift in focus compared to Phase II of the NCP. Until such new criteria are approved, the old criteria will continue to apply. (return to source paragraph)