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ARTICLE · 15 MAY 2026

Back To Basics: Key Terms In The Canadian Regulatory Context

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Advancement through regulatory processes in Canada often requires engaging proximate Indigenous communities who may be impacted by a proposed project.

CanadaGovernment, Public Sector
Sandra Gogal
Sandra Gogal
Rachel Donnelly
Rachel Donnelly
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Advancement through regulatory processes in Canada often requires engaging proximate Indigenous communities who may be impacted by a proposed project. Ensuring engagement is meaningfully conducted at all stages of project development can insulate permits and approvals from court challenges that result in expensive and lengthy delays and disrupt production timelines. Getting these processes right requires careful attention to legal landscape surrounding engagement and consultation with Indigenous communities, including the terminology used in this context.

Below we clarify some key terms used in the Canadian regulatory context:

  • Aboriginal people: are defined under the Canadian Constitution as First Nation, Inuit, and Metis peoples in Canada.1

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