2004/64b

BACKGROUNDER

Offshore British Columbia Oil and Gas Moratorium: First Nations Engagement Process

The moratorium on oil and gas activities offshore British Columbia, in place since 1972, is now under review. RIGHTS, RISKS AND RESPECT: A First Nations Perspective on the Lifting of the Federal Moratorium on Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration in the Queen Charlotte Basin of British Columbia, is one of three elements of the arm's-length federal review process, which also included a review of the state of the science by the Royal Society of Canada and a public review process. Meetings and conversations were held with approximately 40 First Nations communities and several Aboriginal umbrella organizations including the majority of the communities directly adjacent to or near the boundaries of the Queen Charlotte Basin. Other communities were from the Winona, Tofino and Georgia Basin areas, and a few from inland B.C.

Cheryl Brooks, a skilled facilitator with extensive experience working with Aboriginal organizations and the public and private sectors, led the First Nations Engagement Process. Her role was to:

• assist First Nation representatives and community members in getting information about the Government of Canada moratorium review;
• ensure that First Nations were aware of the public review process and how to participate if they chose;
• provide a forum for information sharing and discussion; and
• gather and record feedback to inform the Government of Canada about the unique views of First Nations about whether or not to lift the federal moratorium.

The First Nations Engagement Process has been one of sharing information and providing an opportunity for First Nations to have meaningful input to the Government of Canada with respect to First Nations unique views and perspectives about the moratorium. Canada is committed to an ongoing cooperative relationship with First Nations.

Respecting the unique relationship between Canada and the Nisga'a Nation as set out in the Nisga'a Final Agreement (the Nisga'a Treaty), the Nisga'a Lisims government has submitted a separate report on the oil and gas moratorium to the Minister of Natural Resources Canada.

This report can be viewed, along with the three reports from the federal review process at www2.nrcan.gc.ca/es/erb/prb/english/View.asp?x=611. Previous news releases and backgrounders are also available at www.nrcan.gc.ca.

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