The Government of Saskatchewan released its First Nation and Métis Consultation Policy Framework (CPF) today. The document outlines the process government will use to fulfill its obligation to consult with First Nations and Métis communities on decisions or actions that may impact Treaty or Aboriginal rights.

“This Consultation Policy Framework honours our duty to consult with respect to Treaty and Aboriginal rights while fostering good relationships and a stable and secure investment climate for our province,” First Nations and Métis Relations Minister Bill Hutchinson said.

Government will also start its Exploratory Phase that will bring together First Nation, Métis and industry officials to collaborate on issues not addressed by the CPF. A Dialogue Table will be established to report to government. It will direct research, analysis and development of options for government to consider related to traditional use and territory mapping, consultation capacity, dispute resolution, economic benefit sharing and environmental stewardship.

“Today is not the end of the road for consultation,” Hutchinson said. “Instead, we are hopeful that it signals the beginning of a new era of co-operation between First Nations, Métis, industry and municipalities. The Consultation Policy Framework provides us with greater clarity, certainty and consistency and we anticipate the Exploratory Phase will do the same for those important areas that the CPF does not address.”

A report detailing the feedback contributed throughout the process will also be released along with the Consultation Policy Framework. Both documents will be available on the First Nations and Métis Relations website at www.fnmr.gov.sk.ca.

Related Documents

CPF final.pdf (680.9 KB)

CPF Feedback-Final.pdf (693.1 KB)

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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

“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.

From April 1 to June 30, 2010, First Nations and Métis organizations and other child welfare stakeholders across Saskatchewan will engage with the review panel in one of three ways:
Consultation meetings — select delegations will be invited to meet privately with the panel to share their views on child welfare, as well as provide a written submission.
Written submissions — select individuals and organizations will be invited to provide a written brief to the panel.

Online consultation — anyone with an interest in child welfare in Saskatchewan may complete an online questionnaire for submission to the panel. The questionnaire can be accessed on the website of the Saskatchewan Child Welfare Review from April 1 to June 30, 2010. The website is located at www.saskchildwelfarereview.ca.

“This review is laying the groundwork for significant, lasting change and better outcomes for vulnerable children and families across Saskatchewan,” Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer said. “The independent panel has our government’s full support, and I strongly encourage every stakeholder and individual with an interest in child welfare in Saskatchewan to get involved in this important process, either through the online questionnaire or by accepting the panel’s invitation to meet or provide a written submission.”

“Our panel has selected a representative group of child welfare stakeholders with diverse perspectives and experiences, and we look forward to meeting with them in communities across Saskatchewan over the next three months,” Chair Bob Pringle said.

“In addition, anyone who wishes to participate in this review may do so through the online questionnaire. Our panel has also established six broad themes to help guide our consultations with stakeholders. These themes – Prevention, Protection, Quality of Care, Family Reunification, Permanency and Youth Transitions – will be used to explore a new vision for child welfare in Saskatchewan.”

The independent panel was appointed on January 26, 2010, by Harpauer and consists of Chair Bob Pringle of Saskatoon, Howard Cameron of the Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation, April Durocher of Saskatoon (originally from Île-à-la-Crosse) and Carol Skelton of Harris. The review panel is going well beyond an examination of the relevant provincial legislation to consider all aspects of child welfare in Saskatchewan, including fostering, adoption, child protection, and the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

The panel will provide recommendations in fall 2010 for the government’s consideration.

The website address of the independent panel is www.saskchildwelfarereview.ca and their e-mail address is questions@saskchildwelfarereview.ca. The panel’s toll-free telephone number is 1-877-370-6511.

Chair Bob Pringle is the media spokesperson for the independent panel and can be contacted by members of the media at 1-877-370-6511.

Report on First Nations child welfare released (10/02/24)

Feb. 24, 2010

(Multimedia)

FREDERICTON (CNB) – Ombudsman and Child and Youth Advocate Bernard Richard today released a report entitled, Hand-in-Hand: A Review of First Nations Child Welfare in New Brunswick.

In his report, Richard recommends sweeping changes to the child welfare system on First Nations, reducing the number of agencies to three from the current 11.

Richard also calls for the establishment of a single First Nations Child and Family Services Office that would provide financial and administrative functions to the three agencies. Furthermore, he provides recommendations related to funding, governance, service delivery standards, training and accountability.

“My objective was to recommend changes that will reduce the duplication of administrative work being done in each community in order to maximize frontline social work services,” said Richard. “In my view, it is necessary to maintain and augment the number of social workers in each community who provide culturally based services and to give them access to the same resources employed by social workers in the rest of the province.”

Richard, in his report, also delves into the deep-seated issues affecting First Nations communities, such as poverty, drug addictions, domestic violence, and the erosion of the Mi’kmaq and Maliseet cultures and languages.

“It was essential to examine the underlying social, economic and cultural conditions for this report,” said Richard. “To simply put in place an improved child welfare system would not be enough to truly create equal opportunities for First Nations children. For real change to occur, we must address the determinants of child welfare and focus on prevention-based solutions.”

Copies of the report will be available online. To request a paper copy, call 1-888-465-1100 or e-mail, nbombud@gnb.ca.

10/02/24

EDITOR’S NOTE: Following is a backgrounder on Hand-in-Hand: A Review of First Nations Child Welfare in New Brunswick. MEDIA CONTACT: Bernard Richard, Office of the Ombudsman and Office of the Child and Youth Advocate, 506-453-2789, nbombud@gnb.ca.

Backgrounder: Hand-in-Hand: A Review of First Nations Child Welfare in New Brunswick

In May 2009, the Minister of Social Development asked the Child and Youth Advocate to review and make recommendations about the child welfare services provided in New Brunswick’s 15 First Nations communities.

Bernard Richard, the ombudsman and child and youth advocate, consulted widely and produced a report that gives voice to the concerns expressed by First Nations youth, their families, community leaders and service providers.

The report’s many recommendations are aimed at all levels of government: federal, provincial and First Nations. Beyond that, the report asks all New Brunswickers, First Nations and non-Aboriginals alike, to work together to achieve equal opportunity for all.

Part I of the report focuses on the delivery of child welfare services in First Nations communities. Richard recommends a rationalization of service delivery, reducing the number of agencies from to three from 11 and establishing a single First Nations Child and Family Services Office from which certain financial, administrative and specialized child welfare services would be offered.

In Richard’s view, the strengths of the current service delivery model (such as Head Start programs for young children, community-based service delivery, social work outreach to the child’s family and community, and the active offer of culturally based child welfare practices) must be retained and strengthened.

Richard recommends that the entire reform process be guided by the Touchstone Principles of First Nations child welfare: self-determination, non-discrimination, holistic and structural interventions and respect for culture and language.

The Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) is committed to moving to a more prevention-based service delivery model, but more funding from INAC and other federal agencies will be required for the prevention-based model to succeed.

Richard said the provincial government must also support service delivery by sharing its information management and case management tools; by supporting the roll-out and maintenance of payroll services and information systems to the new First Nations Child and Family Services Office and its agencies; and by helping regional Department of Social Development offices and First Nations agencies to work collaboratively, share training events and benefit from new initiatives such as family group conferencing.

According to Richard, chiefs and councils will have to shoulder collectively the task of governing the First Nations Child and Family Services Office and agencies while maintaining and improving investments in their own communities to ensure that children come first.

Beyond this reform of service delivery, Richard, in his report, calls for bold action to address the root causes of the disadvantages faced by First Nations children.

Part II analyzes the situation of children in First Nations communities. Richard noted that First Nations children in New Brunswick are six times more likely than other children to be taken from their homes and placed in foster care; four to five times more likely to be charged as young offenders; and may be at greater risk for health issues such as obesity and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Moreover, Richard noted that the Mi’kmaq and Maliseet languages are dying and may not survive past the next generation unless immediate measures are taken.

Richard invited all New Brunswickers and all levels of government to take new approaches to housing, job creation, economic development, drug monitoring and treatment and law enforcement.

Furthermore, he said, it is essential that new investments be made in early childhood development, youth sports and recreation, and cultural and linguistic preservation and promotion, in order to build resiliency and strong identities and to reinforce the strong attachment to community and family among First Nations children.

“When all New Brunswickers work together toward this goal, we will make swift progress and become, at long last, the living example of equal opportunity that we can aspire to be,” Richard said.

Consultation Participation Fund Announced For Aboriginal Communities

IQALUIT, Nunavut (January 20, 2010) – Speaker James Arreak today invited Nunavummiut to provide written submissions to the Management and Services Board of the Legislative Assembly on the most recent annual report of the Chief Electoral Officer of Nunavut.
The report contains a number of recommendations for amendments to the Nunavut Elections Act. Copies of the Chief Electoral Officer’s annual report are available from Elections Nunavut’s website at: www.elections.nu.ca. “I encourage Nunavummiut to express their views on the administration of elections in the territory,” said Speaker Arreak. “Members of the Legislative Assembly look forward to receiving constructive suggestions and recommendations concerning this important legislation.”

Submissions will be accepted until March 31, 2010. Submissions should be provided to the Office of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut and may be sent by email to: Submissions@assembly.nu.ca.  Speaker Arreak added, “The Board welcomes requests from Nunavummiut who may wish to appear in person to present their recommendations. Any hearings that the Board holds will take place prior to the fall sitting of the House, when it is anticipated that the Chief Electoral Officer’s report will be referred to the Committee of the Whole for detailed consideration by all Members.”

OTTAWA, January 20, 2010 - Canada’s Environment Minister Jim Prentice and Mr. Gaétan Caron, chair and CEO of the National Energy Board, announced today the establishment of a three-member joint review panel for the environmental and regulatory review of the proposed Northern Gateway Pipeline Project.

Minister Prentice and the National Energy Board appointed Ms. Sheila A. Leggett as the Panel chair, and Mr. Hans Matthews and Mr. Kenneth M. Bateman as Panel members. Biographical information on the Panel chair and members is available in the accompanying backgrounder.

The joint review panel process will provide an opportunity for all hearing participants to make their views known on the project in an open and transparent forum. The public and Aboriginal groups are encouraged to bring their views on the Northern Gateway Project forward to the Joint Review Panel (the Panel).

A Joint Review Panel Agreement (the Agreement) for the environmental and regulatory review was signed by Minister Prentice and Mr. Caron and was released on December 4, 2009. The Agreement, which was issued for public comment for a 64-day period before being finalized, describes the Panel’s terms of reference as well as the process to be followed for conducting the joint panel review.

The Agreement, including the Terms of Reference, as well as additional information on the project are available on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency’s website at www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca, under reference number 06-05-21799, and on the National Energy Board’s website at www.neb-one.gc.ca.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency administers the Participant Funding Program which supports individuals and non-profit organizations and Aboriginal groups interested in participating in the review panel process. Next steps in the review process will include the announcement of the participant funding recipients and the filing of the project application by Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines with the National Energy Board. The Panel will provide additional opportunities for public input and input by Aboriginal groups on the List of Issues to be considered by the Panel. Additional information will be available when the Panel issues its Hearing Order.

About the Project

Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines proposes to construct and operate two pipelines, 1,170 km in length, between an inland terminal at Bruderheim, Alberta and a marine terminal near Kitimat, British Columbia. About 500 km of pipeline will be in Alberta and 670 km in British Columbia. One of the pipelines will carry crude oil west to Kitimat and the other line will carry condensate east to Bruderheim. The project also includes the construction and operation of an integrated marine infrastructure at tidewater to accommodate loading and unloading of oil and condensate tankers and marine transportation of oil and condensate.

About the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency administers the federal environmental assessment process, which identifies the environmental effects of proposed projects and measures to address those effects, in support of sustainable development.

About the National Energy Board

The NEB is an independent federal agency that regulates several parts of Canada’s energy industry. Its purpose is to promote safety and security, environmental protection, and efficient energy infrastructure and markets in the Canadian public interest, within the mandate set by Parliament in the regulation of pipelines, energy development and trade.

This document provides guidance to proponents on meeting consultation expectations which relate to the potential impacts of the proposed project on aboriginal rights, including title. This document is not intended to be a comprehensive guide on how to consult with First Nations or to replicate materials covered in the Environmental Assessment Office 2009 User Guide. This guide provides specific parameters to proponents on ways to obtain required First Nation information. A separate guide exists for required information regarding Treaty Nations.
Purpose

• Proponent Guide for Providing Treaty Nation Consultation Information – Treaty Nations (formally called Supplemental to: Environmental Assessment Office 2009 User Guide – Application Information Requirements and Treaty Nations)  (Jan 2010)

This document provides guidance to proponents on meeting consultation expectations which relate to the potential impacts of the proposed project on the treaty rights and interests which arise under the treaty between the First Nation, the Province and Canada. This document is not intended to be a comprehensive guide on how to consult with First Nations, how to interpret First Nation treaties, or to replicate information provided in the Environmental Assessment Office 2009 User Guide. This guide is also not intended to replace or fully articulate the Province’s duties and responsibilities as established under existing treaties. Further, a proponent who is contemplating any project that may impact a First Nation with a treaty should seek to have the potential impacts to the treaty interpreted and explained by the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO).

Report on 2009 Revenue Options Consultation Released

Finance, today released a report on the Revenue Options consultation held in Yellowknife on October 7 and 8, 2009.

The two-day meeting gathered delegates representing community and Aboriginal governments, business, environmental and social organizations to discuss economic and fiscal strategies and potential improvements to the NWT tax system. The report also includes the comments and suggestions submitted by members of the general public.

Many of the recommendations from the roundtable align with initiatives that the GNWT is currently pursuing and the ideas received will help guide the GNWT’s decisions about its tax and fiscal strategies in support of the vision and goals of the current 16 th  Legislative Assembly.

Minister Miltenberger stressed that no immediate changes to the tax system are being proposed. “Proposals for significant change to the NWT tax system need considerable research and analysis and further consultation before they can be considered for implementation,” said Minister Miltenberger. This work will be undertaken in the upcoming fiscal year

• Read the press release
• Read the report