Section 4 Consultation and Aboriginal Matters
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SECTION 4 CONSULTATION AND ABORIGINAL MATTERS Westcoast Energy Inc. Transmission South (7L) Enhancements and System Upgrades SECTION 4: CONSULTATION AND ABORIGINAL MATTERS Consultation Program and Vision Consultation activities for the Transmission South (7L) Enhancement and System Upgrade Project (Project) have been and will continue to be conducted on the basis of the following principles set out in Westcoast’s charter: • Stewardship – Demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility and vibrant communities • Integrity – Ethically and honestly doing what we say we will do • Respect for the Individual – Embracing diversity and inclusion, enhanced by openness, sharing, trust, leadership, teamwork and involvement • High Performance – Achieving superior business results and stretching our capabilities • Safety – Sharing a relentless commitment to a zero work-related injury and illness culture • Win-Win Relationships – Having relationships which focus on the creation of value for all parties • Initiative – Having the courage, creativity and discipline to lead change and shape the future. Principles and Goals Westcoast recognizes the importance of working with all potentially affected persons and groups, including Aboriginal and local communities during all phases of a project. The goals of the consultation program are to: • identify stakeholders who have interests in the project area who could potentially be affected by the project as soon as possible in the planning phase; • inform potential stakeholders throughout the various phases of the project by sharing information on key project specifics in a clear and timely manner; • create opportunities for meaningful stakeholder engagement as early as possible in the project planning process and advise stakeholders of their opportunities to communicate with the National Energy Board (NEB); • understand and respond to any issues or concerns in an effort to resolve or mitigate those issues or concerns, and; • maintain ongoing communications with stakeholders throughout the planning, construction and post-construction phases with a view to continued development of the long-term relationships required for the operation of the facilities. Aboriginal Consultation Westcoast is committed to building and maintaining sustainable, long-term relationships with Aboriginal peoples that are based upon mutual respect and understanding. Aboriginal consultation for the Project has been conducted in accordance with Westcoast’s Aboriginal Consultation Approach (filed with the Board in May of 2009) which sets out an Aboriginal relations strategy focusing on four key areas: • relationship building; • consultation and communication; • capacity building; and Westcoast Energy Inc.: 4-1 Transmission South (7L) Enhancement and System Upgrade Project SECTION 4: CONSULTATION AND ABORIGINAL MATTERS • economic development. Consultation Program Design The consultation program for the Project began with an assessment of the Project scope. Based on the Project scope, a review of local and regional interests in the Project area was undertaken to identify potential stakeholders. A key consideration was to work closely and collaboratively with the Lower Nicola Indian Band (LNIB), since the majority of the Project will occur within LNIB – Nicola Mameet No.1 Reserve (the “Reserve”). The stakeholders identified through the assessment process included: • Landowners • Provincial and Local government • Aboriginal communities • Certificate of Possession Holders Once potential stakeholders were identified, the consultation program then focused on informing stakeholders that Westcoast was assessing the feasibility of the Project. This was followed by active engagement with follow-up communications and face-to-face meetings to provide further information and receive feedback on the Project. • Face-to face meetings • Information package mail-outs • Telephone discussions and email exchanges • Site visits • Information Session Consultation Program Implementation Westcoast’s consultation program for the Project commenced in September 2015 and has continued to date with face-to-face meetings, information packages, telephone discussions, email exchanges site visits and information sessions. Project information packages were mailed on February 19, 2016 to all stakeholders and Aboriginal communities who may have interest in the Project. The information package contained information about the Project, a map, a fact sheet, contact information and the NEB brochure “Information for Proposed Pipeline or Power Line Projects that Do Not Involve a Hearing”. Recipients were also asked to identify any further information required, as well as any issues or concerns they may have with the Project. Appended to this report is the Project consultation record which provides a summary of specific consultation activities by stakeholder group. Aboriginal Community Engagement Westcoast recognizes the importance of ensuring that its ongoing activities and proposed projects, as well as opportunities for local participation and employment, are communicated to Aboriginal communities in a timely manner. Westcoast’s objective is to provide opportunities for participation and Westcoast Energy Inc.: 4-2 Transmission South (7L) Enhancement and System Upgrade Project SECTION 4: CONSULTATION AND ABORIGINAL MATTERS feedback by Aboriginal communities by ensuring that project information is conveyed to them in writing and, whenever possible, in person. The following Aboriginal communities were sent information packages on February 19, 2016. • Lower Nicola Indian Band; • Coldwater Indian Band; • Nicola Tribal Association; • Highbar First Nation; • Northern Secwepemc Tribal Council; • Whispering Pines/Clinton First Nation; • Skeetchetn Indian Band; • Tk’emlups Indian Band; • Nlaka'pamux Nation Tribal Council; • Lytton First Nation; • Oregon Jack Creek Band (Ashcroft); • Boston Bar First Nation; • Ashcroft Indian Band; • Cook’s Ferry Indian Band; • Nooaitch Indian Band; • Siska Indian Band; • Esh-kn-am Cultural Resources Management Services; • Okanagan Nation Alliance; • Pentiction Indian Band; and • Lower Similkamenn Indian Band. Westcoast met with LNIB Natural Resource manager and Shulus Forest Enterprises (LNIB owned business) to discuss economic opportunities from the Project. LNIB representatives also participated in preliminary Project site assessments. Westcoast held an information session on February 24, 2016 for Aboriginal communities and local contractors to meet Westcoast representatives and the prime contractor to discuss opportunities. Westcoast has continued to consult with LNIB with regards to the Project, including being close to finalizing a capacity funding agreement. To date, no concerns have been received by Westcoast. Landowners A Project information package was mailed on February 19, 2016 to two landowners and six Certificate of Possession holders (within the Reserve). To date, no concerns have been received by Westcoast. Local Residents There are no local residents within proximity to the Project. Trappers There are no trap line holders within proximity to the Project. Westcoast Energy Inc.: 4-3 Transmission South (7L) Enhancement and System Upgrade Project SECTION 4: CONSULTATION AND ABORIGINAL MATTERS Guide Outfitters/ Grazing Licenses There are no Guide Outfitters/Grazing Licenses within proximity to the Project. Local Government The Thompson Nicola Regional District and the City of Merritt were sent a Project notification letter and package on February 19th, 2016. Provincial and Federal Government Westcoast will obtain appropriate provincial permits from the BC Oil and Gas Commission upon receipt of the National Energy Board approval for the Project. The Project work does not trigger the requirement to consult with other federal government departments. Ongoing Consultation Westcoast’s consultation activities will continue throughout the lifecycle of the Project to ensure that issues are addressed and that all stakeholders remain informed. Westcoast will also continue to communicate with and listen to all potentially affected stakeholders through established communication tools, including public awareness and emergency preparedness programs. Westcoast Energy Inc.: 4-4 Transmission South (7L) Enhancement and System Upgrade Project CONSULTATION RECORD Aboriginal Groups Stakeholder Method of Contact Date Summary of Engagement Interest/Issues/Concerns Raised Name/ Organization Lower Nicola Meeting Sept 30/15 Update on Westcoast work in their Requested meeting with Westcoast technical Indian Band area, specifically the enhanced representatives and LNIB technical reliability program and mainline class representatives, to understand the technical location program. aspects of the work. (Completed January 18, Requesting access to their lands for 2016.) our surveying and environmental Request granted to access their lands. crews. Will work on a capacity funding agreement for the proposed work on LNIB lands 2016/2017. Lower Nicola Meeting Dec 09/15 Discussed proposed work required on Will work with LNIB on a capacity funding Indian Band LNIB lands 2016/2017, based on the agreement for proposed work on LNIB lands survey crews accessing LNIB lands. 2016/2017. Lower Nicola Meeting Jan 18/16 Technical meeting between Westcoast Indian Band and LNIB, as requested by LNIB. Lower Nicola Meeting/site visits Jan 19/16 LNIB participated in site visits with the Indian Band Westcoast technical team and Westcoast contractors. Lower Nicola Mail Feb 19/16