Alberta sets new rules on industry, aboriginal consultation
Winnipeg Free Press
EDMONTON - The Alberta government has set new rules on how the province's resource industries must deal with aboriginal bands affected by development.
At least one of those groups says the consultation policy is designed to keep government in the driver's seat.
The rules, expected to come into effect this fall, outline what level of consultation is enough for different kinds of projects and lay out timelines for industry and aboriginals.
A spokeswoman for the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation says the policy will put all decision-making power in the hands of bureaucrats with no aboriginal representation.
Eriel Deranger says the policy doesn't call for aboriginal input on land leases and doesn't allow First Nations to raise consultation concerns during regulatory hearings.
A spokesman for Aboriginal Affairs Minister Robin Campbell said aboriginals will be asked to help implement the new rules.
