BCER and BRFN have worked together to develop a new consultation process.
DATE ISSUED: June 30, 2023
EFFECTIVE DATE: Immediately
The BC Energy Regulator (BCER) and Blueberry River First Nations (BRFN) recognize the importance of working together to address and manage the cumulative effects of energy activity in the BRFN Claim Area.
A new consultation process is being co-developed by BRFN and the BCER to ensure the application referral process meets the requirements of the Blueberry River First Nations Implementation Agreement and respects Treaty Rights.
This new process provides guidance to applicants on pre-application engagement with BRFN that must occur before applications are submitted.
Applicants are asked to use the Province’s map of First Nation Consultation Areas to identify if an application overlaps with BRFN’s consultation boundary. If it does, a BRFN Implementation Agreement Form must be completed for every application, or bundle of applications[1]. This form was created with the intent of capturing information required to implement the approaches and rules identified in the Implementation Agreement and to support the joint review of applications with BRFN.
The Implementation Agreement Form should be completed after pre-application engagement with BRFN is undertaken, but it can be used as a guide for what information should be made available to BRFN to facilitate pre-application engagement discussions. Pre-application engagement is needed to obtain information on proposed development early in the project planning phase, including identifying acceptable locations for oil and gas activities and conditions under which new development can occur. It is encouraged that meetings be scheduled with BRFN Lands Department well before applications are prepared, with a focus on long-term development plans rather than individual applications.
The following material has been prepared to further guide this consultative process, including:
- BRFN BCER Implementation Agreement Form
- BRFN BCER Guidance Document
- Technical Instructions for Map of First Nation Consultation Areas
- BRFN Pre-Application Engagement webpage
- Email to arrange pre-application engagement meetings: preappengagement@blueberryfn.ca
If you have any questions regarding this Information Update, please contact:
Michael Shepard
Operational Transition Lead
BC Energy Regulator
250-661-4820
[1] With the only exception of minor applications and amendments not anticipated to have any affect on treaty rights, as defined in the Form.