PACIFIC LEADERS TAKE ACTION
ON CLEAN ENERGY, TRANSPORTATION, OCEAN CONSERVATION

VANCOUVER, B.C. – Leaders from British Columbia, California, Oregon, and Washington have signed onto a series of joint actions that will help create jobs, strengthen the Pacific Coast economy, advance action on climate change and clean energy, and protect the marine environment.

The actions were ratified today during the inaugural Leaders’ Forum of the Pacific Coast Collaborative. Established by British Columbia’s premier and Pacific Coast governors in June 2008, the collaborative’s founding agreement pledges the participating governments to forge a partnership for leadership, co-operative action, and a common voice on issues affecting the Pacific coast region.

The meeting was hosted by Premier Gordon Campbell of British Columbia and chaired by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California. Governor Christine Gregoire of Washington, and Secretary of State Kate Brown representing the state of Oregon, and Governor Ted Kulongoski also attended. The forum took advantage of participants being in Vancouver to attend the opening of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

“The agreements signed today are an important step towards advancing North America’s West Coast as a global leader in the new low-carbon economy, ocean health, renewable energy and transportation,” said Premier Campbell. “I want to thank the governors for coming to British Columbia to help us celebrate the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and for continuing to work with us to build a strong economy and sustainable region for our citizens.”

“The actions we are taking today will build a stronger economy and a stronger environment for communities throughout the Pacific region and beyond,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “The Pacific Coast Collaborative has shown that by taking meaningful action and showing determined leadership, the rest of the world will follow the steps we are taking to build a better future. I want to thank Premier Campbell, Governor Gregoire and Governor Kulongoski for helping our entire region move forward through this important collaborative.”

“Those of us here today recognize the challenges of a changing climate and a changing economy,” Governor Gregoire said. “By acting together, we can show the world that it is possible, and necessary, to embrace solutions that address both.”

“These agreements demonstrate our collective commitment to protecting the health of the West Coast’s ocean and the ecosystems and economies that depend on them,” Governor Kulongoski said. “Taking strong action now means a stronger tomorrow for our coastal communities.”

Two action plans were signed by the leaders today: Innovation, the Environment and the Economy; and Ocean Conservation and Coastal Climate Change Adaptation.

The Action Plan on Innovation, the Environment and the Economy sets out a series of co-operative initiatives to promote renewable and low-carbon energy and energy conservation, including developing Interstate 5/Highway 99 as a green transportation corridor. It also promotes development of high-speed rail from San Diego to Vancouver and the move to “Green Ports” through co-operation to reduce local air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions.

The Action Plan on Ocean Conservation and Coastal Climate Change Adaptation focuses on co-operation on invasive species, reductions in toxins and other pollutants, promoting sustainable fisheries management and research into impacts from climate change and adaptation options.

The forum also saw the leaders consider and release for further discussion and public input a “Vision 2030” paper intended to serve as a living document for the Pacific Coast Collaborative. The paper sets out a strategic vision for the future of Pacific North America and regional collaboration. The objective is to ensure that west coast jurisdictions achieve global leadership in sustainable economic development – attracting new jobs and encouraging investment and innovation while enhancing an already unparalleled quality of life.

The leaders also unveiled a new, shared PCC website to facilitate regional sharing of information and best practices between governments and with citizens. It is online at: http://www.pacificcoastcollaborative.org. The documents signed today can also be found on this site.

Leaders welcomed Oregon Governor Kulongoski’s offer to host and chair the next PCC Leaders Forum in November 2010.

BACKGROUNDER

PACIFIC COAST COLLABORATIVE 2010 ACTION PLANS

The Pacific Coast Collaborative

On June 30, 2008, the premier of British Columbia and the governors of Alaska, California, Oregon and Washington signed the Memorandum to Establish the Pacific Coast Collaborative, the first agreement that brings together the Pacific leaders as a common front to set a co-operative direction. The Pacific Coast Collaborative is a formal basis for co-operative action, a forum for leadership and information sharing, and a common voice on issues facing Pacific North America. The following were set as priority areas for action:

• Clean energy
• Regional transportation
• Innovation, research and development
• Sustainable regional economy
• Emergency management
• Any other areas of common interest

The Memorandum establishing the Pacific Coast Collaborative provides a framework for the development, discussion and adoption of specific agreements or action plans applying to all participating jurisdictions or for those applying to as few as just two jurisdictions.

The Feb. 12, 2010 meeting in Vancouver, British Columbia was the first annual Leaders’ Forum of the Pacific Coast Collaborative. During the session, the leaders of British Columbia, California, Oregon and Washington agreed to two action plans:

1.Action Plan on Innovation, the Environment and the Economy

• Actions on Renewable and Low Carbon Energy include:

o   Promote development and delivery of renewable and low carbon energy in areas including: solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, hydropower, tidal/wave energy.

o   Support the Western Renewable Energy Zone (WREZ) Project to ensure cost-effective and environmentally-sensitive development of renewable low-carbon energy.

o   Share data and best practices to minimize environmental impacts from renewable low-carbon energy development.

o   Harmonize definitions of low impact renewable resources, starting with hydropower.

o   Seek collaborations on forest product innovation for renewable energy.

• Actions on Energy Conservation include:

o   Participate in Pacific Coast symposia on energy equipment.

o   Encourage a “Conservation First” program for regional electrical, gas utilities to encourage lower consumer energy demand, and collaborate on pilot projects for industrial energy efficiency.

o   Promote a wood-building culture and regional forest product innovations for renewable energy.

o   Collaborate on pilot projects for industrial energy efficiency.

o   Share information on efficiency standards in building codes.

o   Leverage energy-efficiency standards for public buildings.

o   Partner to promote green and living communities.

o   Collaborate on a vision to establish “net-zero community energy” homes and buildings.

• Actions on Transportation include:

o   Work with government agencies and private sector partners on further study into a high-speed passenger rail from San Diego to Vancouver, B.C.

o   Build a Pacific Green Highway through continued support for transformation of  Interstate 5 (US) / Highway 99 (B.C.) corridor to establish infrastructure for alternative fuels including through public-private partnerships.

o   Collaborate and share information such as permitting, codes and standards on all electric and plug-in electric hybrid vehicles and hydrogen vehicles; maximize results from research and commercialization efforts.

o   Create consistent roadside signage for alternative fuel stations.

o   Collaborate on next generation biofuels, including cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel blends.

o   Collaborate on public fleet vehicle purchases to maximise purchase leverage.

o   Maximize results from university research and commercialization efforts.

o   Work towards “Green Ports” through synchronized policies and regulations that provide incentives for and encourage development of innovative and sustainable technologies to reduce fine particulates, hazardous air pollutants, greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.

2.Action Plan on Ocean Conservation and Coastal Climate Change Adaptation

• Actions on Ocean  Health and Conservation include:

o   Co-operate on the prevention and clean-up of marine debris.

o   Co-operate to prevent or reduce the spread of invasive species.

o   Collaborate on best practices for reducing risks from toxins and non point source pollution.

o   Promote sustainable fisheries management.

• Actions on Coastal Climate Change Adaptation include:

o   Research and share data on impacts from possible changes to marine and coastal environments and changes in ocean acidity.

o   Share information to address adaptation needs such flood protection and land use decisions.

• Actions on Ocean Research and Innovation include:

o   Support funding by federal governments for the long-term maintenance of ocean observing systems.

o   Support sharing of ocean research and innovation including seafloor mapping.

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BACKGROUNDER

VISION 2030: POSITIONING PACIFIC NORTH AMERICA FOR

SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY

Leaders from British Columbia, California, Oregon, and Washington released for public input a discussion paper, “Vision 2030”. The paper sets out a strategic vision for regional collaboration. It attempts to answer the question: “What could Pacific North America look like in 2030?“

The objective is to ensure that west coast jurisdictions achieve global leadership in sustainable economic development – attracting new jobs and encouraging investment and innovation while enhancing an already unparalleled quality of life.

“Vision 2030” outlines a possible future under the headings of:

• Harnessing the Power of Collaboration
• A Sustainable Regional Economy in 2030
• Creating Green jobs
• Building Economically Sustainable Communities
• An Innovative Economy
• Creating Regional Networks of Innovation
• Providing Innovative Education and Skills Training
• A Low-Carbon Economy
• Promoting Renewable Energy
• Accelerating Clean Transportation
• Connecting High Speed Rail
• Utilizing Green Ports
• A Conservation Economy
• Building a Smart Grid
• Constructing Green Buildings and Communities
• Getting to Zero Waste
• Promoting Resource Conservation
• A Secure Regional Economy
• Establishing Emergency Management Systems
• Adapting to Climate Change.

The document was released Feb. 12, 2010 by the Premier of British Columbia and the governors of California, Oregon and Washington on the occasion of the first Leaders’ Forum of the Pacific Coast Collaborative in Vancouver, B.C.

For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.

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Diversification is the key to a prosperous future for Canada’s forest sector. Particularly, the development of biomarkets offers a wealth of possibilities. The forest sector of tomorrow will produce everything from solvents and plastics to heat and fuel.

Since 2006, our Government has been making significant investments to help transform Canada’s forest sector. As a key collaborator in the BioPathways research project, we are helping drive the future of the forest sector by developing new, Canadian biotechnologies. In this way, our Government is looking to tomorrow’s markets today.

The $1-billion Pulp and Paper Green Transformation Program is helping companies become leaders in the production of renewable energy from forest biomass.

With a $292.5-million investment, $170 million of which came through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, we are expanding new domestic and international markets, advancing innovation and helping FPInnovations develop the next breakthrough technologies.

Our Government is working with partners such as the Forest Products Association of Canada and FPInnovations to build a world-class industry that is a driver of growth and a leader in the clean energy economy of tomorrow.

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“The purpose of this moratorium is to both meet the spirit of the recent B.C. Supreme Court ruling while ensuring a smooth transition of aquaculture regulation to the federal government,” said Thomson. “Negotiating the regulatory transfer of shellfish in addition to the court ordered transfer of finfish aquaculture will ensure B.C.’s aquaculture industry has an efficient and unified regulatory system.”

On Tuesday the B.C. Supreme Court granted an extension to the transfer deadline for finfish aquaculture to federal regulation until Dec. 18, 2010. As part of this extension, the Court ordered a suspension on approvals of all new marine finfish licenses in B.C.

In addition, the Province is also announcing it will no longer be accepting new applications for shellfish aquaculture licenses and will only process those applications received prior to Jan. 26, 2010. Furthermore, the Province has announced its intention to negotiate the transfer of shellfish aquaculture regulation to the federal government. This decision will enable the federal government to become the single regulator for aquaculture, while the Province retains management over Crown land.

“By moving towards a transfer of shellfish aquaculture regulation, we are laying the foundation for a more efficient aquaculture management system,” said Thomson. “Our aim is to work with the federal government to create a streamlined aquaculture regulation that sustainably manages B.C.’s aquaculture sectors.”

In February 2009, the B.C. Supreme Court ruled that marine finfish aquaculture is a fishery and a matter of federal jurisdiction. The court directed the transfer of administration and regulatory control to the federal government.

FINFISH POLICY

The Province is placing a moratorium on issuing new finfish aquaculture licences and tenures.

The Province will continue to process applications from existing licensees, on existing tenures, that do not result in an overall increase in annual production.

The Province will also continue to renew existing tenures according to established procedures for decision, as part of our obligation and duty under the B.C. Land Act.

As freshwater and non-tidal aquaculture are subject to further federal-provincial discussions, no restrictive actions are being taken on this sector at this time.

There are seven applications for new finfish sites currently being adjudicated that will be suspended as a result of this moratorium and the court decision.

SHELLFISH POLICY

The Province will continue to make decisions according to established procedures on shellfish applications that have been received before Jan. 26, 2010.

There are 42 applications for new shellfish sites that will continue to be adjudicated.

No applications for shellfish aquaculture received after Jan. 26, 2010 will be accepted.

Note: “Established procedures for decision” include biological, bio-physical and environmental assessment, referral to federal and provincial agencies and local government and potentially affected parties such as fishing organizations, marine carriers and First Nations consultation.

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VANCOUVER – The Province intends to introduce legislation to provide greater certainty to British Columbia’s mining industry by extending the BC Mining Flow-Through Share Tax Credit for another three years to 2013, Premier Gordon Campbell announced at Mineral Exploration Roundup.

“The mining industry is a cornerstone of our provincial economy. Right now there are hundreds of exploration projects underway across B.C. injecting millions of dollars into communities and creating jobs,” said Premier Campbell. “In these challenging financial times, investments like these are crucial to helping us build strength in the economy. This three-year tax credit extension will help bring more certainty to the minerals sector and ensure B.C.’s mining industry remains globally-competitive and attractive to investment.”

In 2001, the Province introduced the Mining Flow-Through Share Tax Credit to provide a 20 per cent tax credit for grass roots mineral exploration. Flow-through shares allow exploration companies to pass eligible Canadian exploration expenses to investors. When combined with a similar federal tax credit, the flow-through tax credit helps to reduce the cost of a $1,000 investment to approximately $380.

British Columbia also provides a refundable tax credit for individuals, companies and active members of partnerships that undertake mineral exploration in the province through the Mining Exploration Tax Credit. This credit is calculated as 20 per cent of eligible mineral exploration expenses incurred in British Columbia, 30 per cent in mountain pine beetle-affected areas, and provides a benefit to companies and individual prospectors that do not finance their exploration costs with flow through shares.

The Province has also eliminated the capital tax and the proposed introduction of the HST will increase the savings from the current sales tax exemption for mining machinery and equipment by eliminating all sales tax currently paid on mining inputs when fully implemented.

Read more >>

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January 20, 2010. January 20, 2010. Fredericton, NB and Québec City, QC .– Premiers Shawn Graham and Jean Charest announced today the conclusion of negotiations on an energy agreement between the provinces of New Brunswick and Québec. Fredericton, NB and Quebec City, QC .- First Shawn Graham and Jean Charest today announced the conclusion of negotiations on an energy agreement between the provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec. This concludes the discussions undertaken by the governments of Québec and New Brunswick in early 2009, which resulted in the signature of a memorandum of understanding on October 29, 2009. This concludes the discussions Undertaken by the governments of Quebec and New Brunswick in early 2009, Which search resulted in the signing of a memorandum of understanding on October 29, 2009.

With this agreement, the two governments achieve their goals, while addressing the concerns expressed by New Brunswickers since the MOU was signed. With this agreement, the two governments Achieve their goals, while addressing the concerns expressed by New Brunswickers since the MOU was signed. Under the agreement’s framework, New Brunswick will benefit from advantageous electricity rates, a significant reduction in provincial debt and a secure, long-term source of electricity, all the while retaining responsibility for its energy strategy and implementation. Under the agreement’s framework, New Brunswick will benefit from advantageous electricity rates, a significant reduction in provincial debt and a secure, long-term source of electricity, all the while retaining responsibility for its energy strategy and implementation. For its part, Hydro-Québec will acquire quality generation assets as well as firm transmission rights, and will commit to a profitable long-term power supply contract. For its part, Hydro-Quebec will acquire quality generation assets as well as firm transmission rights, and will commit to a profitable long-term power supply contract.

The transaction The transaction

As part of a global transaction worth $3.2 billion, Hydro-Québec will acquire most of NB Power’s generation assets for $1.8 billion. As part of a global transaction worth $ 3.2 billion, Hydro-Quebec will acquire most of NB Power’s generation assets for $ 1.8 billion. This will include the 7 hydroelectric generating facilities, the 2 diesel peaking units located on the main grid and firm transmission rights associated with the acquired generation assets, including 670 MW of transmission rights with New England. This will include the 7 hydroelectric generating facilities, the 2 diesel peaking units located on the main grid and firm transmission rights associated with the acquired generation assets, including 670 MW of transmission rights with New England. Hydro-Québec will also acquire the Point Lepreau nuclear facility for $1.4 billion upon its successful refurbishment, on or about January 1, 2011. Hydro-Quebec will also acquire the Point Lepreau nuclear facility for $ 1.4 billion upon its successful refurbishment, on or about January 1, 2011. The transmission and distribution arms of NB Power and the deferral account associated with the Point Lepreau refurbishment will be retained by New Brunswick. The transmission and distribution arms of NB Power and the deferral account associated with the Point Lepreau refurbishment will be retained by New Brunswick. Approximately two-thirds of the utility’s employees will continue to work for NB Power and employees of Holdco will continue to offer services to the operating companies of NB Power. Approximately two-thirds of the utility’s employees will continue to work for NB Power and employees of Holdco will continue to offer services to the operating companies of NB Power.

Hydro-Québec will act as an electricity wholesaler to NB Power. Hydro-Quebec will act as an electricity wholesaler to NB Power. Under a long-term power contract, Hydro-Québec will provide NB Power with an annual supply of 14 TWh of electricity. Under a long-term power contract, Hydro-Quebec Will Provide NB Power with an annual supply of 14 TWh of electricity. For the first five years, that supply will be provided at a price of 7.35¢ per kWh. For the first five years, that supply will be provided at a price of 7.35 cents per kWh. As previously announced, after that period the price will change only according to New Brunswick’s Consumer Price Index (CPI). As previously announced, after that period the price will change only according to New Brunswick’s Consumer Price Index (CPI).

New Brunswick will manage this heritage electricity by creating two pools: one of 4.5 TWh for industrial customers and one of 9.5 TWh for residential, commercial and wholesale customers. New Brunswick will manage this heritage electricity by creating two pools: one of 4.5 billion kWh for industrial customers and one of 9.5 TWh for residential, commercial and wholesale customers. The rates at which the electricity in each of these two pools will be sold is described in the accompanying summary of the agreement. The rates at Which the electricity in each of these two pools will be sold is described in the accompanying summary of the agreement.

NB Power will maintain the ownership and operation of the province’s transmission and distribution assets, as well as of the Grand Manan facility supplying electricity to the island of the same name. NB Power will Maintain the ownership and operation of the province’s transmission and distribution assets, as well as of the Grand Manan facility supplying electricity to the island of the same name. As well, the thermal generating facilities at Coleson Cove and Belledune will continue to be owned by NB Power and will supply electricity to Hydro-Québec under tolling agreements. As well, the thermal generating facilities at Coleson Cove and Belledune will continue to be owned by NB Power and will supply electricity to Hydro-Quebec under tolling agreements.

The transaction is expected to close on or about March 31, 2010 for the assets acquired, with the exception of the Point Lepreau facility, which will be transferred upon the successful completion of its refurbishment and the issuance of the necessary operating permits, expected to be on or about January 1, 2011. The transaction is expected to close on or about March 31, 2010 for the assets acquired, with the exception of the Point Lepreau facility, Which Will be transferred upon the successful completion of its refurbishment and the issuance of the necessary operating permits, expected to be on or about January 1, 2011.

“Our partnership with Québec will secure lower energy costs for our province, leave NB Power as a New Brunswick-owned entity, and reaffirm our province’s control over decisions affecting energy policy,” said Premier Shawn Graham. “Our partnership with Quebec will secure lower energy costs for our province, leave NB Power as a New Brunswick-owned entity, and Reaffirm our province’s control over decisions affecting energy policy,” said Premier Shawn Graham. “We are proud of a partnership that allows us to create jobs and a better economic future for New Brunswick, and to do our part in reducing greenhouse gases.” “We are proud of a partnership that Allows us to create jobs and a better economic future for New Brunswick, and to do our part in reducing greenhouse gases.”

“In a world where access to clean renewable energy sources is an issue, where energy needs are strong and continue to grow, Québec and New Brunswick are leading the way. The changes we are announcing today, along with firm transmission rights to New England, allow us to achieve the goals set out in the agreement reached with New Brunswick,” said Charest. “In a world where access to clean renewable energy sources is an issue, where energy needs are strong and continues to grow, Quebec and New Brunswick are leading the way. The changes we are announcing today, along with firm transmission rights to New England, allow us to Achieve the goals set out in the agreement reached with New Brunswick, “said Charest. “Hydro-Québec will acquire quality assets allowing it to maximize its export capacity, while New Brunswickers will benefit from a reliable source of energy with important economic and environmental benefits,” he concluded. “Hydro-Quebec will acquire quality assets Allowing it to maximize its export capacity, while New Brunswickers will benefit from a reliable source of energy with significant economic and environmental benefits,” he concluded.

- 30 – - 30 –

Summary of Agreement on Energy between the governments of Québec (QC) and New Brunswick (NB) (PDF, 2 pages, 328 KB) Summary of Agreement on Energy between the governments of Quebec (QC) and New Brunswick (NB) (PDF, 2 pages, 328 KB)

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VICTORIA – Taseko Mines Limited (proponent) has received an environmental assessment certificate for its proposed Prosperity Gold-Copper Project.

Environment Minister Barry Penner and Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Minister Blair Lekstrom made the decision to grant the environmental assessment (EA) certificate after considering the review led by B.C.’s Environmental Assessment Office (EAO).

The project, a conventional open-pit mining project with a 20-year operating life and a production capacity of 70,000 tonnes of mineral ore per day, will be located approximately 125 kilometres southwest of Williams Lake. The ore concentrate will be transported by truck to the existing Gibraltar Mine Concentrate Load-out facility near Macalister, 54 kilometres north of Williams Lake.

The project is expected to contribute approximately $340 million to provincial GDP annually, and $400 million in provincial revenue and $43 million to local and regional government over the life of the project.

The EAO assessment report concluded the project is not likely to result in any significant adverse effect, with the exception of the loss of Fish Lake and Little Fish Lake. Given the finding of a significant adverse effect, the EAO’s report provided ministers with a number of factors to consider prior to making their decision on whether or not to issue an EA certificate for the project.

The provincial EA certificate contains 103 commitments the proponent must implement throughout various stages of the project. Key commitments include the following:

• Implementing a fish and fish habitat compensation plan to offset the loss of fish and fish habitat, and provide fishing opportunities for the public and First Nations. This will include the establishment of a new lake in the vicinity of Fish Lake.
• Monitoring of water management, tailings storage and other facilities to ensure there is no discharge from the mine site during operation.
• Developing a wildlife habitat compensation plan that includes the Ministry of Environment, the Canadian Wildlife Service and First Nations.
• Implementing archaeological resource management measures to avoid or mitigate adverse effects on identified resources and culturally sensitive areas.

Before the project can proceed, it will require a federal environmental assessment.  A federal review panel has been established and that process is ongoing. The proponent will also need to obtain various provincial licences, leases and other approvals, as well as relevant federal approvals.

The Alexandria Indian Band, Alexis Creek Indian Band, Anaham Indian Band, Canoe Creek Indian Band, Esketemc First Nation, High Bar Indian Band, Soda Creek Indian Band, Stone Indian Band, Toosey Indian Band, Tsilhqot’in Nation Government, Ulkatcho Indian Band, Williams Lake Indian Band and Xeni Gewt’in First Nation were consulted on the assessment and the Province is satisfied the Crown’s duties to consult and accommodate First Nations interests have been discharged.

The total capital cost of the project is approximately $800 million and annual operating costs are expected to be $200 million. The project is expected to directly result in an average of 375 jobs during both the two-year construction period and the 20-year operational life of the project and 325 person years of indirect employment annually over the life of the proposed project. The project entered British Columbia’s environmental assessment process in 1995.

More information on the environmental assessment certificate can be found at www.eao.gov.bc.ca.

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The Department of Natural Resources will start public discussion on the preparation of the new five-year operating plan for Forest Management Districts 10, 11, 12 and 13 in central Newfoundland with an initial meeting on January 20, 2010.

This first session is open to all individuals and organizations interested in, or affected by, forest management activities in these districts. This includes area residents, community leaders, commercial timber harvesters, domestic wood cutters, outfitters and environmental organizations. The session will be held at 7 p.m. at the Mount Peyton Hotel in Grand Falls-Windsor.

“We undertake this planning process every five years as part of our approach to sustainable forest management in the development of operational plans for forestry activity,” said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. “We want to engage the public and interest groups at the beginning of this process so we can identify and address any potential conflicts prior to developing the operating plan.”

The five-year plan details forestry activities within operating areas that are consistent with the province’s sustainable forest management strategy and the principle of sustainable development.

The session on January 20, 2010, will explain the planning process. Representatives from various interest groups or any individual can participate on a planning team, which will meet regularly until the final plan is complete. The team will identify and evaluate differing values and work together to address concerns raised during the process.

The planning team must accomplish its task within the boundaries of existing legislation, regulations and policies, with the goal of preparing a document that is mutually acceptable to all planning team members. The planning process is expected to take six to seven months to complete. The plan will then be submitted to the Minister of Environment and Conservation for environmental assessment.

Districts 10, 11, 12 and 13 include the following broad areas: Bishop’s Falls (Sunday Pond and Miguel Lake areas along the Bay d’Espoir Highway); Grand Falls-Windsor (New Bay Lake, Middleton Lake, Lemottes, Paradise Lake and Noel Paul areas); Badger (Badger Lake, North and South Twin Lakes, Exploits River and Joe Glodes Pond areas); Millertown, Buchans Junction and Buchans (Red Indian Lake, Valley Brook, Harpoon Brook, Victoria River, Lloyd’s River and Portage Pond areas).

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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).

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The Commission on Land and Local Governance is pleased to present its final report, the result of twelve months of consultations, research and analysis. The report is accessible on-line through this website and can be obtained in printed form in English and French from the Provincial Government publication centre on the ground floor of the Jones Building, 11 Kent street, Charlottetown, or at Access PEI Offices in Tignish, Alberton, O’Leary, Wellington, Summerside, Charlottetown, Montague and Souris.

The final report contains the findings and recommendations of the Commission as well as an action plan. Appendices provide additional information on the work of the Commission as well as a detailed analysis of the recommendations of the 1973 and 1990 Royal Commissions and the 1997 Round Table on Land Use.

The Commission welcomes comments on the report, and these may be forwarded to the Commissioner at the following email address:

landandlocalgovernance@gov.pe.ca

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