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ARTICLE · 19 DECEMBER 2019

Alberta Utility Commission Releases Interim Direction On Indigenous Consultation

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The commission's goal is to have clear requirements for Indigenous consultation completed by the fall of 2020.

CanadaGovernment, Public Sector
Meaghan Conroy
Meaghan Conroy
Rangi Jeerakathil
Rangi Jeerakathil
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The Alberta Utility Commission (the "AUC") recently announced that it will review its application requirements for consultation with Indigenous communities. The AUC has released an Interim Direction on Indigenous consultation for proponents to follow while this review is undertaken. "[T]o ensure that application requirements for consultation with First Nations and Métis are clear", it is separating its review of other AUC application requirements. The commission's goal is to have clear requirements for Indigenous consultation completed by the fall of 2020.

What the AUC Does

The AUC regulates the construction and operation of utility projects such as transmission lines, substations, power plants, hydro projects and gas utility pipelines, all of which may have the potential to impact Aboriginal and Treaty rights protected by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.

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