DATE ISSUED: March 11, 2019

EFFECTIVE DATE: March 11, 2019

The BC Energy Regulator (Regulator) is providing an update on recent activities and status of the Aboriginal Liaison Program (ALP). The ALP is a partnership between Indigenous communities in northern B.C., the Regulator, and other provincial natural resource agencies. Initiated by the Regulator and Doig River First Nation in 2014, the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNRORD) now leads the ALP and Regulator staff provide operational coordination functions. For additional information, refer to Regulator INDB 2016-02 and INDB 2016-38.

Partnering First Nation communities hire a local member as a monitor to observe and report to their communities about resource development activities on their traditional territories. The ALP provides training opportunities to improve Liaisons’ knowledge and understanding of development activities and impacts, as well as enabling them to inform their community members with objective, reliable, and sound information.

Interaction with Liaisons and participation in the ALP helps Regulator staff learn directly of Indigenous peoples’ values and traditional knowledge in relation to oil and gas development. Regulator staff regularly work with Liaisons when monitoring compliance and stewardship outcomes resulting from oil and gas activities.

The Regulator is committed to full participation in the ALP and supports Liaison involvement in monitoring of oil and gas activities. Permit holders should be aware Liaisons might attend inspections, emergency response plan exercises, audits and environmental monitoring activities with Regulator staff.

The following First Nations currently participate in the ALP:

• Blueberry River First Nations
• Carrier Sekani First Nations
• Doig River First Nation
• Haisla Nation
• Lake Babine Nation
  
• Nisga’a Lisims Government
• Prophet River First Nation
• Saulteau First Nations
• Fort Nelson First Nation

Should you have any questions regarding this Industry Bulletin, please contact:

Jacques Corstanje
Director, Aboriginal Liaison Program
BC Energy Regulator

250-638-6407
Jacques.Corstanje@bcogc.ca