Consultations Launched On New Groundwater And Water Well Legislation

In addition to the public, the consultation will allow the water well-drilling industry, the geothermal industry and other stakeholders to review and provide comments on proposed changes.

A discussion paper and more information is available on Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship’s website at www.manitoba.ca/waterstewardship/groundwater.

Manitobans who are interested in providing input can email groundwater@gov.mb.ca or make a submission by mail before April 20 to:

Robert Betcher

Manager, Ground Water Management Section

Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship

Box 11, 200 Saulteaux Cres.

Winnipeg MB  R3J 3W3

The Ministry of Environment is initiating a public review of the draft Saskatchewan Environmental Code. This is the next key step in implementing a new results-based approach to environmental regulation.

“The ministry has embarked on an ambitious journey to reinvent how it regulates, oversees and manages impacts on the environment and natural resources,” Environment Minister Dustin Duncan said. “The code is a critical element of the results based approach, which includes increased transparency and stronger accountability tools, more attention on high-risk areas, improved client service and ultimately, enhanced environmental management.”

The results-based model focuses on required environmental outcomes and encourages innovation by making the proponent accountable to find the best way to achieve or exceed the required outcomes. The Saskatchewan Environmental Code, the first of its kind in Canada, will provide guidance on the design of environmental systems and facilities. It has chapters describing the acceptable results and standards for particular activities associated with development.

Three pieces of legislation – The Environmental Management and Protection Act, The Forest Resources Management Act, and The Environmental Assessment Act – were updated to support the results-based approach. The Management and Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Act, which is new legislation, also requires the development of code chapters. All four pieces of legislation were passed, but not proclaimed, in the spring 2010 legislative session. Once required sections of the code are completed, the new legislative framework will be brought into effect.

“I wish to recognize the commitment and participation of stakeholders and Aboriginal groups that have been so critical to our success in developing the draft code to this point,” Saskatchewan Environmental Code Development Committee (CDC) Chair Wayne Clifton said. “The public review stage now provides an opportunity for the broader public and all interested parties to contribute to the development of the code.”

The development of the code has been a collaborative effort involving various companies, associations, provincial and federal government agencies, environmental non-governmental organizations, municipalities, First Nations and Métis communities, academia and knowledgeable private individuals. In all, more than 200 experts and industry leaders were involved, directly or indirectly, in the development of this code.

“I think this approach to regulation can work, provided that there is a commitment by all of us – business people, governments, regulators and citizens – to recognize environmental protection as the top priority,”

Saskatchewan Environmental Society board member Ann Coxworth said. “This means acknowledging that a healthy economy can exist only within the context of a healthy environment. The public review period is an important opportunity for people to let us know whether that commitment is there.”

An online introductory document, code executive summary and the 19 code chapters have been posted to the ministry website at http://www.environment.gov.sk.ca for public review and comment.

Stakeholder and Aboriginal meetings are being held January 30 in Regina; February 2 in Prince Albert; and February 3 in Saskatoon. The intent is to have the first edition of the code approved and the legislation proclaimed in 2012.

Code development is continuing. Work on additional chapters addressing other subject areas including linear developments, works in or near water and hazardous substances storage have already begun.

For more information, contact:
Michele McEachern
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0412
Email: michele.mceachern@gov.sk.ca

Premier appoints task force to ensure landowners heard

Edmonton… Premier Alison Redford has created a task force that will be asking Albertans for their concerns regarding property rights.

“We have heard concerns from landowners that their property rights need to be better respected,” said Redford. “We need to move towards a more common-sense approach when it comes to property rights.”

The task force will be chaired by Diana McQueen, Minister of Environment and Water, with Evan Berger, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, as the vice-chair.

Other members include Verlyn Olson, Q.C., Minister of Justice and Attorney General; Jeff Johnson, Minister of Infrastructure; Cal Dallas, Minister of Intergovernmental, International and Aboriginal Relations; Frank Oberle, Minister of Sustainable Resource Development; Raymond Prins, MLA for Lacombe-Ponoka; and Arno Doerksen, MLA for Strathmore Brooks.

“We want to listen to Albertans and have a discussion about what property rights mean to them and what needs to be improved,” said McQueen.

In December, meetings will take place with stakeholders. In January, open houses will occur in several communities. To complement face-to-face efforts, a website will allow for written input from Albertans. Further details on how Albertans can participate will be released in the coming weeks.

To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.

Do you use B.C.’s resource roads for work, recreation, or because you live in or visit rural communities off the public road system? If so, help us serve you better by contributing to the Natural Resource Road Act Project to improve resource road laws and regulation for the benefit of all users.

Comments are invited on a discussion paper that will help build the foundation for the Natural Resource Road Act. The principles and proposed policy framework presented in this discussion paper are the starting point for a single, streamlined law that applies to all resource roads in B.C.

You are invited to voice your concerns and suggest solutions that will work for everyone. Comments will be accepted until December 15, 2011.

Parks Canada is carrying out public and Aboriginal consultations on the proposed National Parks of Canada Wild Animals Regulations (the Regulations) and would greatly appreciate receiving your input with respect to this proposal. Parks Canada is proposing these Regulations to replace the current National Parks Wildlife Regulations.

• extend protection provided by the Regulations to all wild animals at any developmental stage and to any of their parts or derivatives;
• enhance the protection of wild animal dwelling places;
• regulate the use, possession and transportation of firearms and other weapons;
• respect obligations under various land claim agreements, impact and benefit agreements or park establishment agreements; and,
• enhance visitor safety in national parks where polar bears are present by allowing certain categories of park users to carry and use firearms for their protection and the protection of others.

What information is available?

• National Parks of Canada Wild Animals Regulations – Draft for Public Consultation (PDF, 225 Kb)
• Backgrounder on the proposed National Parks of Canada Wild Animals Regulations – Summary of Significant Provisions(PDF, 103 Kb)
• Backgrounder on the proposed National Parks of Canada Wild Animals Regulations -Use of Firearms for Protection (PDF, 152 Kb)
• Parks Canada Firearm Permit Criteria (PDF 63 Kb) 
• Who May be Authorized to Carry and Use a Firearm for Protection (PDF, 70 Kb)

Consultation Timeline

National online consultations: July 7, 2011 to December 31, 2011.
Northern national parks will carry out specific consultation activities with Aboriginal peoples, partners, stakeholders and interested Canadians according to the following schedule:

Your Input

An Online Comment Form  is available to give you the opportunity to provide Parks Canada with your comments and suggestions regarding the proposed Regulations. You are encouraged to complete any or all of the questions provided in this Comment Form. The questions focus on the most significant changes to the Regulations, however, you can provide input on any other aspect of the Regulations.

To submit your views

Electronically

Use the Online Comment Form to submit your input electronically.

By Mail

Download the Comment Form (PDF – 154 Kb)

And mail to:

Consultations
Parks Canada Agency
Legislation and Policy Branch
25 Eddy Street, 4th floor (25-4-Q)
Gatineau, QC
K1A 0M5

Phone : 1-888-773-8888
Fax: 819-997-0835
Email: consultations.animaux-animals@pc.gc.ca

If you prefer to receive a hard copy of the proposed National Parks of Canada Wild Animals Regulations and the Comment Form, please let us know by email, phone, fax or by mail using the contact information supplied above.

The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, and Shawn Atleo, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, today officially launched an engagement process to explore solutions that will improve First Nation elementary and secondary education on reserve.

“Education is a targeted priority of the Canada-AFN Joint Action Plan,” said Minister Duncan. “Today’s announcement is a concrete example of the importance of partnership and collaboration. This engagement process will be looking at options, including legislation, to improve the education outcomes of First Nation students. It will be led by a National Panel composed of experienced individuals who have dedicated their careers to helping children and youth succeed. This engagement focuses on encouraging individuals to offer their input and insights on reforming elementary and secondary education on reserve.”

“All First Nations have made education a top priority,” commented National Chief Atleo. “This panel is an important opportunity to profile what is working and where there are barriers that must be overcome. We encourage all First Nations educators, leaders and families to fully engage. Our traditions have always emphasized the collective responsibility of supporting and nurturing our children’s success. We must drive forward this opportunity and bring forward the specific approaches to finally deliver sustainable, stable and equitable education enabling our students to succeed.”

The National Panel will lead the engagement process, which will include roundtable sessions, visits to First Nation schools and key meetings with stakeholders across the country. The engagement process is also designed to allow anyone with an interest and a view on how to improve First Nation elementary and secondary education to participate through a dedicated website where participants can post, vote and comment on ideas, and submit and/or read written submissions online.

The work of the National Panel gets underway this week with a visit to Akwesasne First Nation. More information on the National Panel engagement activities will be available on the National Panel’s website.

The National Panel will make recommendations to the Minister and National Chief on options to make concrete and positive changes for First Nation students, including possible legislation, to improve the governance framework and clarify accountability for First Nation elementary and secondary education. The Panel will report by the end of the 2011 calendar year.

To learn more about the engagement process and to make sure your voice is heard, visit Students First!.

Backgrounder – Mandate of the National Panel

Financing Secured by Other Revenues Regulations

Issue: The First Nations Finance Authority (FNFA) is working towards its inaugural bond issue, which will allow interested First Nations to secure favourable financing for infrastructure, business and economic development on reserves. Under the First Nations Fiscal and Statistical Management Act (the Act), only property tax revenues may currently be securitized, and this does not provide enough revenue to reach critical mass for the initial bond issue.

Description: In order to support the FNFA and the First Nations Fiscal and Statistical Management Act regime, Regulations have been developed which would allow for the securitization of various other revenue streams in addition to the property tax revenues currently permitted for this purpose under the Act. This will allow critical mass to be met, and the FNFA to issue its inaugural bond.

Cost-benefit statement: Scheduled First Nations stand to receive the maximum benefit from this initiative. These Regulations will allow for access to affordable capital and flexible terms, thereby enhancing First Nations’ ability to invest in infrastructure, and strengthening the foundation for economic development and investment on reserves. The present value interest rate savings for First Nations as a direct result of these Regulations is $39,052,000. Further, the Government of Canada has secured grant funding of $10 million in order to fund the Credit Enhancement Fund of the FNFA. This cost has been taken into account in the present value calculations.

Business and consumer impacts: The proposed Regulations will result in increased investment in infrastructure, which will in turn provide the foundation for economic development and investment for First Nations.

Investors will be provided with an additional investment product to diversify their portfolios. Pension funds and offshore investors have a large appetite for long-term subnational lending because of its stability.

Domestic and international coordination and cooperation: No impacts on domestic and international coordination and cooperation are anticipated as a result of the proposed Regulations.

Performance measurement and evaluation plan: As per Indian and Northern Affairs Canada’s (INAC) evaluation plan, an evaluation of the First Nations Fiscal and Statistical Management Act will be conducted in 2011–2012. This will provide assurance on departmental risk management, control, governance processes and performance.

Further, a performance measurement strategy will be completed in consultation with INAC’s Audit and Evaluation Sector.

Finally, a legislative review will examine the provisions and operation of the Act, and the operation of the institutions. A report will be completed and submitted to each House of Parliament by the end of the 2011–2012 fiscal year on the results of the review, including any changes that the Minister recommends relating to the evolution of the mandate and operation of those institutions.

Ottawa, Ontario (May 26, 2010) – The Government of Canada is taking action to help ensure First Nations have safe, clean drinking water. Today, Bill S-11, the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act was introduced in Parliament. At the same time, the Government of Canada announced the two year extension of the First Nations Water and Wastewater Action Plan.

The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, together with the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, announced the introduction of a bill that will help safeguard drinking water in First Nation communities and a funding strategy to safeguard investments in drinking water.

This legislation would make it possible for the Government of Canada, in collaboration with First Nations, to move forward on development of federal regulations that will provide a comparable level of protection for drinking water in First Nation communities as enjoyed by other Canadians.

“First Nations should expect, as do all Canadians, to have access to safe, clean drinking water,” said Minister Strahl. “The introduction of legislation and the extension of the First Nations Water and Wastewater Action Plan will enable the Government of Canada to continue making tangible progress on its commitment to improving water conditions on-reserve.“

The Government of Canada has maintained an open dialogue with First Nations in addressing water issues. Throughout the last year, options for drinking water and wastewater were discussed with First Nations, regional First Nation Chiefs, First Nation organizations, provincial and territorial government officials, and other stakeholders.

“I am pleased that legislation is moving forward and that continued investments will be made under the First Nations Water and Wastewater Action Plan,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “This is a step in the right direction as it will provide us with another mechanism to help protect the health and safety of all First Nations living on-reserve.”

The extension of the First Nations Water and Wastewater Action Plan provides an additional $330 million over the next two years to continue to support First Nations in the provision of safe drinking water. In addition to providing enhanced support for investments in water and wastewater facilities, the First Nations Water and Wastewater Action Plan is funding the National Assessment of First Nations Water and Wastewater Systems. This assessment, which will conclude later this year, will provide a more accurate account of water and wastewater needs in First Nation communities.

Significant progress has been made in improving water and wastewater conditions across the country. For example, in 2006, there were 193 high-risk drinking water systems. Today, that number has been significantly reduced to 49 systems. In addition, out of the 21 communities identified as priorities, which meant that the community had both a high-risk drinking water system and a drinking water advisory, 18 have been removed from the list.

All First Nations community sites now have access to a trained Community Based Water Monitor or an Environmental Health Officer to sample and test drinking water quality at tap. In 2009, 92% of communities had access to portable test kits for on-site bacteriological analysis of drinking water, up from 56% in 2002.

Between 2006 -2012 the Government of Canada will have invested over $2.3 billion in First Nations water and wastewater infrastructure. This funding includes:

• annual departmental investments of approximately $200 million;
• $270 million through the First Nations Water Management Strategy;
• $60 million through the Plan of Action for Drinking Water;
• approximately $660 million through the First Nations Water and Wastewater Action Plan; and
• $183 million through Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

Backgrounder – Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act

Backgrounder – First Nations Water and Wastewater Action Plan

Chronology – Water

Frequently Asked Questions

VICTORIA – The Province is inviting British Columbians to participate in public consultation on a Fossil Management Framework and designation of an official provincial fossil, Agriculture and Lands Minister Steve Thomson announced today.

“The Fossil Management Framework will become the blueprint for managing our rich fossil heritage,” Thomson said. “B.C. fossils tell us a story about the last half billion years of life in this province. This story belongs to all of us and we want to make sure we hear from everyone through the provincewide consultation process.”

The Province has been working with agencies, stakeholders and the academic community to identify the elements that form the basis for fossil management in British Columbia. Through the consultation website, individuals will have the opportunity to submit comments on the framework elements, or engage in an online discussion with other participants on 12 different topics.

The Fossil Management Framework will address use and protection of fossils, based on a comprehensive review of fossil management in other jurisdictions and feedback from stakeholder groups and the public.

“British Columbia has diverse fossil deposits, which give us a rare view into pre-recorded history,” said the Royal British Columbia Museum’s botany and Earth history curator Dr. Richard Hebda. “A fossil management framework will establish clear processes and procedures around this fragile resource and raise public awareness about how much knowledge we gain from the fossil record.”

The Province is also working with the B.C. Paleontological Alliance (BCPA) to designate a provincial fossil, which will be added to Official Symbols of British Columbia. Individuals will be invited to submit their suggestions for a fossil symbol through the consultation website.

“The British Columbia Paleontological Alliance has been working with the Province on protection and management of our diverse paleontological heritage and we are excited about this new development in the consultation process,” said BCPA past chair Jim Haggart. “We are looking forward to working with the Province to ensure that the evolving management framework addresses the needs of the professional and amateur paleontological communities in British Columbia in a scientifically responsible manner.”

The consultation period ends July 2, 2010.

For more information or to participate in the Fossil Management Framework consultation, visit: http://www.al.gov.bc.ca/clad/strategic_land/Fossil_Consultation/Index.html.