Bill 22, the Aboriginal Consultation Levy Act

May 8, 2013
Legislation supports greater involvement for First Nations in consultation process

Alberta’s First Nations will be better supported in the planning process to develop the province’s natural resources through new enabling legislation introduced today in the Alberta Legislature.

Bill 22, the Aboriginal Consultation Levy Act, introduced by Aboriginal Relations Minister Robin Campbell, supports an improved consultation process by building capacity for First Nations so they can be more engaged in the process which will benefit First Nations and all Albertans.

“Our main focus is ensuring consultation with First Nations respects their treaty rights,” said Minister Campbell. “Bill 22 is aimed at strengthening the First Nations consultation process to ensure that it is appropriate and meaningful. It is important First Nations have the capacity and funding available to do a proper job on consultation and that is what this legislation is about. ”

Highlights of the proposed legislation:

• The proposed consultation levy would be paid by proponents for resource development projects and land management activities.
• The amounts received from industry through the levy would go into a fund for covering First Nations’ consultation costs. It would be revenue neutral to government. The Crown may also pay into the fund.
• The proposed legislation would enable government to create an information disclosure mechanism that would result in the public knowing how much money is being invested into consultation activities in the province.
• Bill 22 would also require an annual report summarizing the operation of the fund, including audited financial statements.

Bill 22 is considered enabling legislation as Aboriginal Relations continues to work on its draft consultation policy.

Our government was elected to keep building Alberta, to live within its means and to fight to open new markets for Alberta’s resources. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.

If consultation and engagement are your areas of interest, we offer public and on-site courses - contact us for more information.