The Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) announced September 24 that it had finalized its “Aboriginal Consultation Guide for Preparing a Renewable Energy Approval (REA) Application”.
The guide describes the obligations of the Crown and applicants for Renewable Energy Approvals in conducting Aboriginal consultation pursuant to Ontario Regulation 359/09 Renewable Energy Approvals under Part V.0.1 of the Act (O. Reg. 359/09). The Guide explains how the regulatory requirements relate to the Crown’s duty to consult with Aboriginal communities in respect of renewable energy projects and is designed to assist Aboriginal communities, the public, interested persons, and other regulatory agencies in understanding the Aboriginal consultation requirements for a Renewable Energy Approval. In combination with O. Reg. 359/09, it outlines certain procedural aspects of consultation delegated to applicants through the REA application process. It also offers considerations in conducting consultation activities to help applicants carry out more effective consultation.
The finalization of this guide does not represent a change in existing policy and/or process, rather it provides additional clarity with respect to the government’s role in the REA process.
The development of this guide was informed through feedback received from various ministries, technical workshops, regional information sessions, community meetings, Tribal Council meetings, Aboriginal communities, and industry and other stakeholders.
The Aboriginal Consultation Guide for preparing an REA is available at http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/stdprodconsume/groups/lr/@ene/@resources/documents/resource/stdprod_088440.pdf or by Googling “Aboriginal Consultation Guide for REA”.