Request for Participation in Surveys and Workshops for CER OPR/FM Review, Phase II

Press Release

The BC First Nations Energy and Mining Council is reaching out to seek your invaluable input as part of the ongoing review of the Operations and Maintenance Regulations (OPR) and Filing Manual (FM) requirements being conducted by the Canada Energy Regulator (CER). On February 18, 2025, FNEMC will be conducting 2 identical province wide sessions to review and provide input on the regulations and filing manual. Sessions will be at 10am and 1pm respectively.

Each of the 13 Topic Papers has a survey to help gather the requested information. Your community can choose to respond to some or all of the topic papers as well as some of all of the survey questions, depending on your level of interest in each one.

Importance of Your Feedback

The CER’s review of OPR/FM is a critical process aimed at ensuring that regulations governing the operations and maintenance of energy projects are effective, safe, and considerate of Rights Holders. First Nations Energy and Mining Council (FNEMC) is dedicated to representing the collective interests and perspectives of First Nations in B.C. through the First Nations Leadership Council during this review. To achieve this, we are conducting a comprehensive survey and workshops to gather as much information and feedback from communities as possible.

Objectives of the Survey and Workshops

Collect Community Insights: Understand your community’s experiences, concerns, and suggestions regarding the Topic Papers and potential proposed changes to the OPR/FM regulations.
Develop Informed Recommendations: Use your feedback to shape informed comments and recommendations to the CER.
Enhance Regulatory Framework: Ensure that proposed changes to the regulations are robust, inclusive, and address the needs of First Nations communities in B.C.

How Your Participation Will Help:

Your input is essential in helping us develop well-informed, comprehensive comments and recommendations to submit to the CER. By participating in the survey and webinar, you will be directly contributing to a regulatory review that will impact the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of energy projects in your area.

How to Participate:

Review the Information Package: Please review the information package here, which has the CER’s 13 Topic Papers. The accompany surveys are designed so that your community and its members can review the pertinent information and respond to the requested information in a manner of your choosing.
Complete the Surveys: Responses from the surveys will assist in the discussion topics at the upcoming virtual workshops. Please submit your survey responses by January 30th, 2025 to info@akiconsulting.ca
Attend the Workshop: Participate in our upcoming virtual workshop where we will discuss the survey findings and further explore community perspectives. Workshops will be held in November.

Compensation/Remuneration

There is limited funding available. $500 is available per community to complete the survey and have at least one representative attend at least one the two webinars. This will be paid on a first come first serve basis until funding is depleted.

There will also be a draw for a new iphone 16 for those who completed the surveys and attended the webinar. Draw will take place at the end of the session.

Registration

Should you have any questions or require assistance in completing the survey, please do not hesitate to contact our lead consultant, Brian Martin, atbrian.martin@akiconsulting.ca or 778-227-9672.

To register for the 10am or 1pm webinar, please contact mark.blom@fnemc.ca to receive the access links.

We deeply value your participation and look forward to working together to ensure that the voices of First Nations communities are heard and considered in the CER’s OPR/FM review process.

Thank you for your time and contribution to this important initiative.

IBF4