Aboriginal Consultation Plan CGL4703-CGP-AB-PLN-003
April 26, 2013
Revision 0
Coastal GasLink Pipeline Project Aboriginal Consultation Plan Contents
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Project Background ............................................................................................1 1.2 Document Purpose .............................................................................................2
2.0 ABORIGINAL CONSULTATION OBJECTIVES ...................................................................... 5
3.0 ABORIGINAL GROUPS IN THE PROJECT AREA ................................................................. 7
4.0 STAGES OF ABORIGINAL CONSULTATION ........................................................................ 9
4.1 Initial Consultation Stage ...................................................................................9 4.1.1 Consultation Activities Completed to Date ...................................10
4.2 Pre-Application Consultation Stage .................................................................11 4.2.1 Ongoing Access to Project Information .........................................11 4.2.2 Project Agreements and Aboriginal Economic Participation ........12 4.2.3 Data Collection ..............................................................................12
4.3 Post Application Consultation Stage ...............................................................12
5.0 ADDRESSING ISSUES, CONCERNS AND INTERESTS ..................................................... 15
5.1 Summary of Issues, Concerns and Interests ....................................................15 5.1.1 Reporting and Tracking Issues and Concerns ................................15
6.0 SUMMARY .............................................................................................................................. 16
Contents Coastal GasLink Pipeline Project
Aboriginal Consultation Plan
CGL4703-CGP-AB-PLN-003 Issued for Use Revision 0 Page ii April 26, 2013
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1-1: Coastal GasLink Study Corridor ............................................................................ 3
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix A Glossary Appendix B Comments Received on Aboriginal Consultation Plan
Coastal GasLink Pipeline Project Aboriginal Consultation Plan
Section 1 Introduction
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND
Coastal GasLink Pipeline Ltd. (Coastal GasLink) is proposing to construct and operate a natural gas pipeline from the area near the community of Groundbirch (approximately 40 km west of Dawson Creek, British Columbia (BC)) to the proposed LNG Canada Development Inc. (LNG Canada) liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility (LNG Canada export facility) near Kitimat, BC.
The proposed Coastal GasLink Pipeline Project (the Project) involves the construction and operation of approximately 650 km of 48 inch (NPS 48) (1,219 mm) diameter pipeline, metering facilities at the receipt and delivery points, and one compressor station with provision for up to an additional five compressor station sites to allow for future expansion. The Project will have an initial capacity of approximately 1.7 billion cubic feet (bcf)/day (48 million cubic metres (mmcm/d)) with the potential for expansion up to approximately 5 bcf/d (142 mmcm/d). The expansion scenarios do not involve the construction of any additional pipeline; only the number and locations of potential future compressor stations would change.
The study corridor (see Figure 1–1 Coastal GasLink Study Corridor) passes through four regional districts and numerous Aboriginal territories, with a combined population of about a quarter of a million people. Construction is projected to begin in 2015, with Project completion before the end of the decade.
Construction of the pipeline is subject to approval by the BC Environmental Assessment Office (EAO), the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEA Agency) and the BC Oil and Gas Commission (BC OGC). A Project Description was provided to the CEA Agency and to the BC EAO on October 30, 2012. The Project Description was accepted by these agencies, which has the effect of starting the environmental assessment process for the Project. Coastal GasLink is currently targeting January 2014 for submission of an environmental assessment to the BC EAO and CEA Agency. Coastal GasLink also expects to file an application to the BC OGC in 2014.
Coastal GasLink Pipeline Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of TransCanada PipeLines Limited (TransCanada).
1.2 DOCUMENT PURPOSE
The Aboriginal Consultation Plan (the Plan) describes how Coastal GasLink intends to:
Section 1 Introduction
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communicate its plans and timelines for the Project
explain the technical aspects and potential effects of the Project
learn about and identify Aboriginal Interests and the potential effects of the Project on Aboriginal Interests
consider Aboriginal issues and inputs and how they may be incorporated in the environmental assessment
identify and develop strategies to avoid or minimize or otherwise address potential effects of the Project on Aboriginal Interests and issues
Coastal GasLink understands that while the Crown is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the duty to consult with Aboriginal groups is satisfied, certain aspects of consultation may be delegated to Coastal GasLink. To this end, avoidance or mitigation efforts incorporated into the Project application, or mutually agreed outcomes arising out of consultations with Aboriginal groups, may be viewed by the Crown as forms of accommodation.
This draft Aboriginal Consultation Plan has been developed to meet:
Coastal GasLink’s objectives regarding Aboriginal engagement
Coastal GasLink’s current understanding of the Aboriginal consultation requirements of the BC EAO as part of the environmental assessment of the proposed Project
the consultation obligations delegated by the Crown to Coastal GasLink through the Section 11 Order
Specific consultation approaches will depend on the particular Aboriginal community being consulted and may change over time.
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Section 1 Introduction
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Figure 1-1: Coastal GasLink Study Corridor
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MIDWEST_M:\projects\2012\IB-0007-12\MAPPING\OVERVIEW_MAP\MXD\CGP–Study_Corridor_OverviewMap_2013Apr2
REVISION DESCRIPTION
Note: Data sets sourced on this map are defined in the CGP Data Matrix
1:500,000 0 10 205Km
Route Reference: CGP_Route_RevC1 April 5, 2013
Study Corridor
Legend
Study Corridor (2km wide)
Road - Highway
Railway
Parks, Ecological Reservesand Protected Areas
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First Nation Reserve
Regional District
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River / Creek
Rev 3Document No.: CGL4703-MSI-G-MP-004
Issued, Feb. 12, 20130
COASTAL GASLINK PIPELINE LTD
Revised Study Corridor, Feb. 13, 20131
Revised Study Corridor, Apr. 2, 20132
Revised Study Corridor, Apr. 5, 20133
Coastal GasLink Pipeline Project Aboriginal Consultation Plan
Section 2 Aboriginal Consultation Objectives
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2.0 ABORIGINAL CONSULTATION OBJECTIVES
Aboriginal consultation for the Coastal GasLink Pipeline Project will be guided by TransCanada’s principles, policies and programs and the Section 11 Order for the Project. The goals of Coastal GasLink’s consultation program are to:
build and maintain positive long-term relationships with Aboriginal groups potentially affected by the Project
develop timely, honest and accurate information to allow for informed, effective and meaningful consultation with communities
identify acceptable community consultation protocols and practices
ensure that Aboriginal community input and concerns are gathered, understood and integrated into Project design and execution, particularly the environmental assessment, as appropriate
ensure that Aboriginal communities are aware of how their participation has influenced the environmental assessment and Project planning
support the participation (e.g., capacity funding and information sharing) of Aboriginal communities in regulatory processes, with a focus on the environmental assessment process
ensure that concerns and issues with respect to potential effects related to Aboriginal communities are identified and addressed in the environmental assessment
Coastal GasLink Aboriginal consultation activities are integrated with the other aspects of Project development. The Coastal GasLink management team is regularly informed by the Aboriginal consultation teams to review feedback and integrate it into the environmental assessment and other Project plans, as appropriate.
The approach to Aboriginal consultation, as described in this Aboriginal Consultation Plan, will be shared with all of the potentially affected Aboriginal communities identified in the Plan. The Aboriginal Consultation Plan will be posted on the Coastal GasLink Project website (www.coastalgaslink.com) as well as the EAO’s electronic Project Information Centre (ePIC) (www.eao.gov.bc.ca) once the Plan has been approved by the BC EAO. As the Project moves forward, the implementation details of the Plan may be updated subject to ongoing input and experience.
Coastal GasLink Pipeline Project Aboriginal Consultation Plan
Section 3 Aboriginal Groups in the Project Area
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3.0 ABORIGINAL GROUPS IN THE PROJECT AREA
On March 8, 2013, the BC EAO issued the Order for the Project, identifying the Aboriginal groups to be consulted by Coastal GasLink for the Project. The list of Aboriginal groups in Schedule B of the Order is as follows:
Treaty 8 First Nations
West Moberly First Nations
Saulteau First Nations
McLeod Lake Indian Band
First Nations
Ts’il Kaz Koh First Nation (Burns Lake Band)
Haisla Nation
Kitselas First Nation
Lheidli-T’enneh First Nation
Nadleh Whut’en First Nation
Nak’azdli Band
Nee-Tahi-Buhn Band
Office of the Hereditary Chiefs of the Wet’suwet’en
Dark House
Saik’uz First Nation
Skin Tyee Nation
Stellat’en First Nation
Wet’suwet’en First Nation
Yekooche First Nation
The Order identifies further Aboriginal groups to be provided with notification and consulted with, as required by the BC EAO Project Assessment Lead. These Aboriginal groups are identified in Schedule C of the Order as follows:
Treaty 8 First Nations
Blueberry River First Nations
Halfway River First Nation
Fort Nelson First Nation
Doig River First Nation
Section 3 Aboriginal Groups in the Project Area
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Prophet River First Nation
Treaty 8 Tribal Association
First Nations
Metlakatla First Nation
Lax Kw’alaams Nation
Lake Babine First Nation
Nazko First Nation
Tl’azt’en Nation
Carrier Sekani Tribal Council
Although not identified in the Order, Coastal GasLink will continue to provide information and undertake engagement activities with the following Aboriginal groups as part of its overall engagement program:
Hagwilget Nation
Moricetown First Nation
Métis Nation British Columbia
Kelly Lake Métis Settlement Society
Coastal GasLink Pipeline Project Aboriginal Consultation Plan
Section 4 Stages of Aboriginal Consultation
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4.0 STAGES OF ABORIGINAL CONSULTATION
The key Aboriginal consultation activities that make up this Aboriginal Consultation Plan have been grouped into stages: initial consultation, pre-application consultation and post application consultation. The consultation stages generally align with the Project phases and the regulatory process; however, it is expected that these consultation stages may overlap each other to some degree.
Several methods will be used to conduct consultation activities with identified Aboriginal communities, including:
community gatherings to discuss the Project
face-to-face meetings to discuss the Project
formal and informal discussions about the Project
helicopter overflights, field study participation and site visits
distribution of Project updates, Geographic Information System (GIS) data, maps and fact sheets
The results of these consultation efforts will contribute to the development of the Application for an Environmental Assessment Certificate.
4.1 INITIAL CONSULTATION STAGE
Aboriginal groups were formally notified of the Project in June 2012. Initial consultation activities involved notifying Aboriginal groups about the Project; inviting them to indicate their interests in the Project, whether they wished to engage in discussions about the Project and how they wished to be engaged; and discussing their capacity to effectively participate in the Project.
Capacity for Aboriginal groups has two dimensions. First, there is the capacity of Aboriginal groups to meaningfully participate in consultation activities. As outlined in Section 5.1 Summary of Issues, Concerns and Interests, Aboriginal groups have multiple demands on their time from project proponents and governments. Coastal GasLink will provide assistance to Aboriginal groups so that they have the opportunity to meaningfully engage in meetings and other activities related to the Project by providing funding to Aboriginal groups at levels to be negotiated.
The second dimension is the capacity of Aboriginal groups to maximize the employment and contracting opportunities resulting from the Project. To this end, Coastal GasLink is prepared to work collaboratively with Aboriginal businesses and communities on training and other capacity development measures to assist communities to gain long-lasting benefits from the Project.
Section 4 Stages of Aboriginal Consultation
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Informing Aboriginal communities about the Project in advance of regulatory agencies’ involvement provided an early opportunity to inform the Project by identifying potential Project effects and discussing measures to avoid or minimize adverse effects on Aboriginal Interests. Initial consultation with Coastal GasLink also provided an opportunity for Aboriginal groups to have input into Project planning. Coastal GasLink believes that this approach helps to establish trust and positive relationships with Aboriginal communities that are intended to last throughout Project planning, construction and operation.
The Project Description was shared with Aboriginal groups on November 9, 2012. Throughout the Project, Coastal GasLink will share Project information and seek input from Aboriginal groups to develop greater understanding of potential concerns and interests. This input will be considered and incorporated, as appropriate, into the environmental assessment and other regulatory documents.
The initial consultation stage continued until the Order was issued by the BC EAO on March 8, 2013.
4.1.1 Consultation Activities Completed to Date
The initial information exchanges with Aboriginal communities that have taken place were intended to open dialogue on potential issues and opportunities (e.g., economic, employment, contracting, field studies participation, Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and Traditional Land Use (TLU) programs, and participation in the regulatory process) and to set the stage for future consultation activities. All potentially affected Aboriginal communities listed in Section 3 have been provided with initial Project information materials, including a letter introducing the Project and a Project map. In-person meetings have occurred with every identified community and capacity funding discussions have started.
Coastal GasLink’s initial contact with each Aboriginal group was with Chiefs, Councillors or other people to whom Coastal GasLink was directed by elected Aboriginal group leaders. From that point, Coastal GasLink continued to meet with political leaders unless that responsibility was delegated in writing to other officials, consultants or lawyers. Any formal agreements that Aboriginal groups and Coastal GasLink enter into are to be signed by political leaders of the Aboriginal groups on behalf of the community. Coastal GasLink is also identifying the appropriate hereditary leaders and seeking permission to discuss the Project directly with them. Coastal GasLink’s objective is to ensure that both elected and hereditary leaders are fully engaged by the Project.
Initial discussions with Aboriginal groups focused on the following topics:
introducing the company, its representatives and the Project, and confirming Aboriginal groups’ contacts and communication protocols
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Section 4 Stages of Aboriginal Consultation
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determining the best method for consulting communities, including protocols for collecting TLU information and TEK
sharing Project information, including an overview of the field programs that Coastal GasLink is proposing to undertake to gather and analyze field data
providing initial capacity funding. It is proposed that capacity funding levels will be determined through mutually agreed upon work plans of Project activities. The work plans address participation in environmental assessment and other regulatory activities, as well as broader Project related engagement.
4.2 PRE-APPLICATION CONSULTATION STAGE
The pre-application consultation stage started with the issuance of the Order by the BC EAO and will continue through to filing of the regulatory applications for the Project in early 2014. The intended primary activities of the pre-application consultation stage are:
continuing to provide, including access to, Project information
providing appropriate capacity funding to support Aboriginal group engagement
consulting on data collection and analysis for the environmental assessment
addressing issues, concerns and interests, and discussing the avoidance or mitigation of potential adverse effects (see Section 5)
4.2.1 Ongoing Access to Project Information
Coastal GasLink will continue to make relevant Project information available to potentially affected Aboriginal groups in a timely manner, allowing for meaningful discussion about the Project.
Coastal GasLink will also consult with Aboriginal groups on the expected steps of the environmental assessment process. Currently, Coastal GasLink understands these steps to be:
development of this Aboriginal Consultation Plan
development of the Aboriginal Consultation Report
development of the draft Application Information Requirements (draft AIR) and the subsequent EAO-led review
data collection for the environmental assessment
consultation on the activities and findings of the environmental assessment that will form the application to the EAO
Section 4 Stages of Aboriginal Consultation
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4.2.2 Project Agreements and Aboriginal Economic Participation
Coastal GasLink will seek to enter into Project agreements with affected Aboriginal groups. It is expected that Project agreements will include financial, economic development or other benefits provided by the Project to the Aboriginal group and support for the Project by the Aboriginal group. The Project team will work with each affected Aboriginal group to determine the best approach to providing them with long-term benefits that reflect their particular circumstances.
Whether or not an Aboriginal group enters into a Project agreement, Coastal GasLink will attempt to provide Aboriginal community members with opportunities for achieving effective economic participation in the Project, including employment, education and training, community benefits, and contracting and procurement.
4.2.3 Data Collection
The following field-based consultation activities will occur with potentially affected Aboriginal communities during the planning and construction stages of the Project:
Coastal GasLink hopes to conduct TLU studies on Crown land within a community’s traditional territory potentially affected by the Project.
Coastal GasLink expects that TEK will be collected during either the biophysical field studies or the TLU studies, or both, and will inform the assessment and the development of mitigation of potential Project-related effects on the environment.
Coastal GasLink will provide opportunities to Aboriginal groups to participate in a helicopter fly-over of the Project within their community’s traditional territory.
Although Aboriginal communities consider some TLU and TEK data and information to be confidential and, therefore, not included in the materials submitted on the public record for the environmental assessment, the information will be used in developing avoidance and mitigation plans and environmental protection plans as outlined by agreements between Coastal GasLink and the Aboriginal communities.
Data collection for the social, economic, health and heritage components of the environmental assessment will take place during the activities conducted in conjunction with specific Project disciplines. Throughout the data collection activities, Coastal GasLink expects to discuss potential effects and related avoidance and mitigation measures to inform the Application for an Environmental Application Certificate.
4.3 POST APPLICATION CONSULTATION STAGE
During the initial consultation and pre-application consultation stages, Coastal GasLink will focus on Project-specific goals and objectives and look forward to the
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Section 4 Stages of Aboriginal Consultation
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construction and eventual operations of the gas pipeline, while continuing to maintain positive relationships with the Aboriginal communities involved in the Project.
Engagement activities after filing the environmental assessment application are currently expected to include:
having discussions with respect to appropriate mitigation as part of the application review process
developing a monitoring program for the construction phase of the Project. The monitoring program will be focused on the effective implementation of the environmental management plan.
seeking input from Aboriginal groups regarding reclamation activities
implementing measures to optimize Aboriginal contracting opportunities
Coastal GasLink will continue to engage with Aboriginal communities and implement all Project-based commitments, including Environmental Assessment Certificate conditions and agreements between Coastal GasLink and participating Aboriginal communities during construction and operations.
Coastal GasLink Pipeline Project Aboriginal Consultation Plan
Section 5 Addressing Issues, Concerns and Interests
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5.0 ADDRESSING ISSUES, CONCERNS AND INTERESTS
Although consultation with Aboriginal communities was in the early stages when this Plan was developed, some common interests and concerns were raised, including those listed in Section 5.1. Coastal GasLink expects that, as dialogue progresses, further information will be available to contribute to identifying potential effects, and to support a dialogue about effective avoidance, mitigation and management measures.
5.1 SUMMARY OF ISSUES, CONCERNS AND INTERESTS
During the initial consultation activities to date with the identified Aboriginal communities, Coastal GasLink has heard issues and concerns, including:
potential adverse effects on watercourses
potential negative effects of multiple major projects in the region
need for training and employment opportunities
need for contracting opportunities
confidentiality of TLU and TEK information
protection of caribou and caribou habitat
potential adverse effects on wildlife
lack of community capacity to engage
number of other resource development projects in the territory stresses capacity to engage
need for attention to pipeline safety
desire for long-term benefits over the life of the Project
need to consider establishing a common utilities corridor
desire for Treaty Land Entitlement claimed areas to be avoided by the construction footprint
need to maintain traditional sustenance of food (e.g., berries and game)
need to avoid adverse effects of ongoing development, which could threaten culture and language
potential adverse effects on fisheries
5.1.1 Reporting and Tracking Issues and Concerns
One of the key tools for reporting and tracking issues and concerns, and responding to these concerns, will be the use of consultation management systems and software.
Section 5 Addressing Issues, Concerns and Interests
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Coastal GasLink has a comprehensive consultation tracking system, which will catalogue and track all interactions with Aboriginal groups.
Throughout the consultation process, consultation results will be documented to ensure that key issues and concerns are recorded and identified for follow-up, if necessary.
Coastal GasLink will work with the BC EAO to develop the appropriate tracking template.
Coastal GasLink Pipeline Project Aboriginal Consultation Plan
Section 6 Summary
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6.0 SUMMARY
Implementation of the Aboriginal Consultation Plan for the Coastal GasLink Pipeline Project will evolve as the Project team continues to engage with Aboriginal communities near the study corridor. The team will continue to strive toward engaging in an open and transparent manner, reporting back to the communities on what is heard, and incorporating the input received into the environmental assessment and Project design, where appropriate.
This ongoing engagement is undertaken with a view to informing the Project by avoiding or mitigating potential Project effects, where possible, and by providing opportunities for discussing areas of mutual benefits.
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Aboriginal Consultation Plan
Appendices – Contents
Appendix A Glossary Appendix B Comments Received on Aboriginal Consultation Plan
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Aboriginal Consultation Plan
Appendix A Glossary
Abbreviation Definition
bcf/d billion cubic feet per day
AIR Application Information Requirements
BC British Columbia
CEA Agency Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Coastal GasLink Coastal GasLink Pipeline Ltd.
EAO Environmental Assessment Office
GIS Geographic Information System
LNG liquefied natural gas
OGC Oil and Gas Commission
TEK Traditional Ecological Knowledge
TLU Traditional Land Use
TransCanada TransCanada PipeLines Limited
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Aboriginal Consultation Plan
Appendix B Comments Received on Aboriginal Consultation Plan
Coastal GasLink shared this Plan with the following Aboriginal groups:
Haisla Nation
Kitselas First Nation
Lax Kw’alaams Indian Band
Metlakatla Indian Band
Office of the Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs
Skin Tyee First Nation
Nee Tahi Buhn Indian Band
Hagwilget Nation
Moricetown First Nation
Yekooche First Nation
Wet’suweten First Nation
Ts'il Kaz Koh First Nation (Burns Lake Indian Band)
Saik’uz First Nation
Nadleh Whut’en Indian Band
Nak’azdli Indian Band
Stellat’en First Nation
Tl’azt’en First Nation
Lake Babine First Nation
Lheidli-T’enneh Indian Band
Nazko First Nation
McLeod Lake First Nation
West Moberly First Nations
Appendix B Comments Received on Aboriginal Consultation Plan
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Saulteau First Nations
Halfway River First Nation
Blueberry River First Nations
Doig River First Nation
Fort Nelson First Nation
Carrier Sekani Tribal Council The draft Aboriginal Consultation Plan was provided by email in early February. Follow-up telephone calls were made to confirm receipt of the Plan, and Aboriginal groups were offered the opportunity to review and discuss the Plan through Coastal GasLink’s ongoing engagement activities, such as meetings, telephone calls and conference calls. Two First Nations responded with written comments. The following table outlines the comments received from the two First Nations and identifies the responses and actions taken by Coastal GasLink in reply.
First Nation First Nation Comment Coastal GasLink Response Section
Halfway River Confirm that the informal engagement to date has not formed part of the consultation record
No change to the Plan as a result of this comment. Coastal GasLink offered to provide the engagement records collected to date to Halfway River First Nation (HRFN).
4.2
Halfway River Add an appendix with all of the consultation that has occurred to date with each First Nation
No change to the Plan as a result of this comment because the purpose of the Plan is not to outline all of the engagement activities that have taken place to date. Coastal GasLink offered to provide the engagement records collected to date to HRFN.
4.1.1
Halfway River Add the provision of capacity funding to the list of primary activities in this section
Coastal GasLink agrees with this comment and has added the following bullet to Section 4.2:
providing appropriate capacity funding to support Aboriginal group engagement
4.2
Halfway River Remove “informal discussions” from the stages of Aboriginal Consultation, unless the information generated from these discussions is vetted and approved by HRFN
No change to the Plan as a result of this comment. Coastal GasLink offered to provide the engagement records collected to date to HRFN.
4.0
Halfway River Add the establishment of a Technical Working Group to identify and mitigate project impacts
No change to the Plan as a result of this comment because the Working Group is established by the BC Environmental Assessment Office (EAO).
4.0
Coastal GasLink Pipeline Project Aboriginal Consultation Plan
Appendix BComments Received on Aboriginal
Consultation Plan
Revision 0 Issued for Use CGL4703-CGP-AB-PLN-003 April 26, 2013 Page B-3
First Nation First Nation Comment Coastal GasLink Response Section
Halfway River Add a joint review of First Nations TLU, TEK, Socio-economic, Base Line and Gap Analysis studies to the list of consultation activities.
No change to the Plan as a result of this comment. Coastal GasLink will discuss these matters with HRFN and could add these activities to a jointly developed work plan in an MOU between Coastal GasLink and HRFN.
4.0
Halfway River Expand the scope of the TLU work to include Crown and non-Crown land.
No change to the Plan as a result of this comment. If HRFN can demonstrate that they have obtained consent from private landowners to grant access to the land, the TLU and TEK work can continue on those lands.
4.2.3
Halfway River Adjust the second bullet in 4.2.3 to indicate that TEK will be collected during the TLU study, not during the biophysical field studies.
Coastal GasLink agrees with this comment and has adjusted the bullet as follows:
Coastal GasLink expects that TEK will be collected during either the biophysical field studies or the TLU studies, or both, and will inform the assessment and the development of mitigation of potential Project-related effects on the environment
4.2.3
Halfway River Adjust Section 4.2.4 to confirm that the socio-economic data collection, when desired by the First Nation, be led by the First Nation not the Aboriginal consultation teams.
Coastal GasLink agrees with this comment and has broadened that section by deleting “led by the Aboriginal consultation teams.”
4.2.3
Halfway River Adjust the second bullet in Section 4.3 to acknowledge that land reclamation will be ongoing, throughout construction.
Coastal GasLink agrees with this comment and has broadened that statement and adjusted the bullet to:
Seeking input from Aboriginal groups regarding reclamation activities
4.3
Wet’suwet’en The land and resources encompassed by the proposed corridor are subject to WFN Rights and Title and treaty related interests.
Coastal GasLink acknowledges this comment and by way of this Plan provides the information to the BC EAO.
Wet’suwet’en There are a significant number of traditional use sites within the proposed corridor area and, therefore, the likelihood of archaeological sites is high.
Coastal GasLink acknowledges the potential for traditional use and archaeological sites. Coastal GasLink will continue to work with the Wet’suwet’en First Nation to identify these locations by participating in the upcoming archaeological and cultural studies and by implementing the agreed to Traditional Land Use and Occupancy Study work plan.
Appendix B Comments Received on Aboriginal Consultation Plan
Coastal GasLink Pipeline ProjectAboriginal Consultation Plan
CGL4703-CGP-AB-PLN-003 Issued for Use Revision 0 Page B-4 April 26, 2013
First Nation First Nation Comment Coastal GasLink Response Section
Wet’suwet’en The degree of infringement on WFN rights and interest is likely very high and, therefore, we plan to involve WFN members in the consultation and environmental process where their rights and interests will be impacted.
Coastal GasLink acknowledges the comment. Coastal GasLink will continue its engagement with the Wet’suwet’en First Nation to determine the potential impacts from the Project on the Wet’suwet’en First Nation.
Wet’suwet’en The WFN Chief and Council can’t enter into meaningful consultation without a Capacity Funding Agreement being finalized.
Coastal GasLink acknowledges the comment. Coastal GasLink has provided initial capacity funding and continues to work towards additional capacity funding to address the Wet’suwet’en First Nation’s capacity requirements.
Wet’suwet’en Because the WFN Chief and Council and its members have not been engaged regarding the Aboriginal Consultation Plan, they have not provided relevant information to be included in the Plan. A WFN community meeting for the purpose of achieving meaningful input is suggested.
Coastal GasLink has offered to schedule and participate in a community meeting to present the Plan and discuss any comments or suggestions that Wet’suwet’en First Nation members might have. Coastal GasLink is awaiting the Wet’suwet’en’s response to that offer.