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Provincial consultation policy released

Article Origin

Author

Compiled by Shari Narine

Volume

20

Issue

5

Year

2013

 

First Nations have been given until May 3 to respond to the draft First Nations Consultation Policy and Guidelines released April 2 by Alberta Aboriginal Relations. The proposal has Alberta’s consultation office determining “if consultation is triggered and to what level,” according to the matrix provided by the government. Developments could fall under one of three levels of consultation depending on the “significant or permanent adverse impacts on treaty rights or traditional use.” A level 3 designation, which is the highest consultation level, allows First Nations up to 20 working days to respond to the proposal after being notified by the Alberta government. Forty-five working days is then given for the province to undertake consultation and “adopt mitigation strategies including accommodation (if required)”. The consultation office will determine if additional time is required. Affected First Nations will receive notice of the province’s decision within 10 working of consultation being concluded.