Almost a month out and the buzz generated at PBLI and The Summit Institute's A Water Gathering: Collaborative Watershed Governance in BC and Beyond - Solutions Forum is still going!

On January 26th & 27th, watershed managers, users and government at all levels, including First Nations, gathered to discuss opportunities for collaborative watershed governance in BC and across Canada. The event was co-hosted by the BC Ministry of Environment, Fraser Basin Council, Living Lakes Canada, Okanagan Basin Water Board, POLIS Project on Ecological Governance, Water Policy and Governance Group and Wildsight. Special thanks to the event co-chairs, the Honourable Iona Campagnolo and Grand Chief Edward John, and the Steering Committee for all their hard work. The following highlights the event's key outcomes. ...Read More

An incredible and diverse group gathered last week in Ottawa for the National Aboriginal Policing Forum - what a fantastic event! Everyone came away informed, inspired and better equipped to handle the challenges in this complicated area. Special thanks to our incredible Chair, Jim Potts, O.O.M., and the committed and knowledgeable faculty who shared their stories and best practices over two energizing and full days. Our evaluations state over and over again how valuable each and every presentation was in this well-orchestrated event. We've attached some pictures below to share some of the dynamism. Vancouver next fall, anyone?

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The BC Oil & Gas Commission (OGC) has released a new directive on First Nations consultation on short term water use applications. Effective October 20th, 2011, the OGC will now be consulting with applicable First Nations on all applications received for short term water use permits. The appropriate level of consultation with each First Nation will be determined, in part, by the proponent proposed classification of "Information Only" or "Notification with Opportunity to Comment" included in each application and based on a given criteria provided by the OGC. To date, the OGC has often failed to provide First Nations with information on water use applications, arguably in violation of the government's legal duty to consult.

This move by the OGC looks to address one of the many concerns expressed by First Nations, environmental organizations and policy analysts over the OGC's authority to issue short term water use permits. The oil and gas sector is the only industry that obtains water use permits from its own regulator; all other sectors must obtain a water license by going through the Water Stewardship Division, currently housed in the Ministry of Environment. ...Read More

2011 - 

Here at PBLI we are preparing for the National Aboriginal Policing Forum, which will be chaired by Inspector Jim Potts, O.O.M. The conference will be held in Ottawa on October 27-29, 2011.  ...Read More

Announced Tuesday, Ontario Energy Minister Brad Duguid has signed a directive that aims to stabilize green energy development in the province. The directive waives the Ontario Power Authority's option to cancel contracts with energy developers under the feed-in tariff program so long as the company has a manufacturing agreement and a domestic content plan. By removing this barrier, companies have greater assurance that their projects will move ahead, assurance that comes in a time of uncertainty for the sector given the upcoming election and opposition campaign pledges to scrap a number of renewable energy projects.

Through the Green Energy Act, the governing Liberals aim to position Ontario as a leader in renewable energy manufacturing and production. Green energy development is a key component of the government's job creation plan. ...Read More