Alberta’s First Nations will be supported in the planning process to develop the province’s natural resources through new enabling legislation introduced in the Alberta Legislature.
Bill 22, the Aboriginal Consultation Levy Act, introduced by Aboriginal Relations Minister Robin Campbell, supports an improved consultation process by building capacity for First Nations so they can be more engaged in the process that will benefit First Nations and all Albertans.
“Our main focus is ensuring consultation with First Nations respects their treaty rights,” said Campbell.
“Bill 22 is aimed at strengthening the First Nations consultation process to ensure that it is appropriate and meaningful.
Highlights of the proposed legislation:
• The proposed consultation levy would be paid by proponents for resource development projects and land management activities.
• The amounts received from industry through the levy would go into a fund for covering First Nations’ consultation costs. It would be revenue neutral to government. The Crown may also pay into the fund.
• The proposed legislation would enable government
to create an information disclosure mechanism that
would result in the public knowing how much money
is being invested into consultation activities in the
province.
• Bill 22 would also require an annual report summarizing the operation of the fund, including audited financial statements.
“We are calling for the PC government to immediately rescind this bill and conduct meaningful consultations with First Nations,” said NDP Aboriginal Relations critic Deron Bilous.
“Notification is not consultation. The more that this PC government insists that this is the case, the more strained the relationship becomes with First Nations. This PC government’s handling of Bill 22 is paternalistic and will further damage a crucial relationship that depends upon the honour of the Crown.
“Only by rescinding Bill 22 and engaging in meaningful consultation can the government fulfill their obligations to First Nations.”