McCarthy Tétrault LLP / mccarthy.ca Recent Developments in Government Policies

McCarthy Tétrault LLP / mccarthy.ca

Recent Developments in Government Policies


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I. Yukon: Ross River Dena Council v. Yukon & Implications for Free Entry

¬ Yukon Court of Appeal (2012)¬ Duty to consult triggered as a result of both potential impact of

“Class 1 Activities” on asserted aboriginal rights and title and potential impact of mere recording of mineral tenure on asserted aboriginal title

¬ Reasoning is potentially problematic to right of free entry applicable in most Canadian jurisdictions

¬ Leave to appeal to SCC denied¬ Yukon currently in the process of revising its mining legislation to

reflect decision in Ross River¬ Influence of Ontario Mining Act amendments?


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II. Ontario: Mining Act Amendments

¬ Overview of Mining Act Amendments¬ Exploration plans and exploration permits¬ Consideration of “arrangements” between

aboriginal groups and proponent¬ Third party dispute resolution process

¬ Analysis in light of Ross River¬ Consultation on acquisition of tenure?

¬ MNDM consultation policy on early exploration


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III. Newfoundland and Labrador (NL):new Aboriginal Consultation Policy

¬ Published in April 2013

¬ General framework for decisions associated with land and resource decisions that may adversely affect asserted and established Aboriginal and treaty rights

¬ Proponents required to provide “reasonably necessary capacity-funding” and “any required financial accommodation”

¬ “...any consultation support or capacity required by a consulted party will be the responsibility of the proponent”

¬ “NL will not necessarily engage directly in Aboriginal consultation on proposed resources development” (p.5)

¬ Proponents are expected to fully confirm to NL’s “benefits-related expectations” and “enter into dialogue with Aboriginal organizations to address project-specific opportunities, with a goal of achieving a positive, sustainable, mutually beneficial outcome.” (p.7)


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III. Newfoundland and Labrador (NL):new Aboriginal Consultation Policy

¬ Places, in some instances, full burden of consultation on proponents – e.g. NL won’t directly engage in consultation with Aboriginal groups

¬ Mixes policy and law – e.g. benefits-related expectations¬ The only time “accommodation” is used is in respect of “economic

accommodation”¬ Appears to be an attempt by NL to download constitutional

obligations on to project proponents¬ Clear expectations of benefits agreements but no clear description

of expectations on proponents


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IV. Alberta: Aboriginal Consultation Levy Act & Aboriginal Consultation Plan

¬ Aboriginal Consultation Levy Act

¬ Bill 22 – Royal Assent May 27, 2013, not yet in force.

¬ Levy on industry proponents in order to assist First Nations with capacity funding for consultation

¬ Regulations will prescribe details/amounts of levy, form of payment and conditions of payment

¬ Ministry may require proponents to provide personal information, records and other documents, including confidential information and copies of agreements relating to consultation capacity and other benefits


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IV. Alberta: Aboriginal Consultation Levy Act & new Consultation Plan

¬ Policy on Consultation with First Nations on Land and Natural Resource Management, 2013¬ released August 16, 2013 ¬ will replace existing consultation policy once new Alberta

Aboriginal Consultation Office is established¬ Alberta Aboriginal Consultation Office will coordinate

consultation process¬ Outlines obligations of Crown, First Nations and Proponents

to participate ¬ Corporate Guidelines will supplement the new policy


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V. Canadian Environmental Assessment Act 2012 & National Energy Board

¬ Notable changes to CEAA 2012 legislation¬ responsible authorities¬ designated projects¬ substitution/equivalency¬ timelines¬ public participation

¬ NEB process and National Energy Board Act

¬ New responsibilities for the NEB¬ Navigable waters

¬ Hearings, review panels


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McCarthy Tétrault LLP / mccarthy.ca Recent Developments in Government Policies