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Horizontal Initiatives

Name of horizontal initiative: Major Projects Management Office Initiative

Name of lead department: Natural Resources Canada

Lead department PAA Program: Investment in Natural Resource Sectors

Start date: April 1, 2012

End date: March 31, 2015

Total federal funding allocation (from start date to end date): $81 million

Description of the horizontal initiative (including funding agreement): Budget 2012 provided $81 million over three years to renew funding for the Major Projects Management Office (MPMO) Initiative. Established in 2007, the MPMO Initiative is an interdepartmental initiative across 12 federal departments and agencies to enable efficient and effective regulatory reviews of major resource projects and to advance government-wide efforts to modernize the regulatory system for major resource projects. Major resource projects are an important driver of job creation and long-term economic growth. It is estimated that hundreds of major projects representing more than $600 billion of potential new investments in communities across Canada could occur over the next decade. As of March 31, 2014, the MPMO is managing a portfolio of more than 80 major projects, which represent a total capital investment of approximately $230 billion.

The MPMO Initiative supports the Government’s plan for Responsible Resource Development, which was launched in 2012 to enable government-wide efforts to improve the performance of the federal regulatory system for major natural resource projects. Under the Responsible Resource Development plan, federal regulatory departments and agencies are working collaboratively to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of environmental assessment, regulatory permitting and Aboriginal consultation processes related to the review of major resource projects. The aim is to create a favourable business climate needed to unlock potential investment in major projects while also protecting the safety of Canadians and strengthening environmental protection.

Shared outcomes: Key outcomes from the MPMO Initiative include:

  • A more accountable, predictable and transparent regulatory review process with reduced regulatory burden to facilitate investment and planning decisions and improve the competitiveness of Canada’s resource industries;
  • Reduce duplication across federal departments and across jurisdictions;
  • High-quality assessments of the environmental and social effects of resource development so that federal decisions in relation to resource projects safeguard the environment; and
  • The fulfillment of Aboriginal consultation responsibilities in a more consistent and meaningful manner.

Governance structures: The Cabinet Directive on Improving the Performance of the Regulatory System for Major Resource Projects establishes the governance framework for federal government departments and agencies to facilitate the effective, coordinated and concurrent discharge of their statutory duties, functions and obligations related to the regulation of major resource projects. It encourages federal departments and agencies to work together to identify areas where the consistency, efficiency and effectiveness of the federal regulatory system can be improved and to develop and implement system-wide improvements. These activities are intended to improve the accountability, transparency, timeliness and predictability of the federal regulatory system for major resource projects.

The Minister of Natural Resources is the lead minister for the MPMO Initiative. In collaboration with his counterparts in other regulatory departments, the Minister of Natural Resources reports regularly to Cabinet on progress towards achieving the objectives of the Initiative, and will report to Parliament and the public through Natural Resources Canada’s annual reporting process.

A Major Projects Deputy Ministers’ Committee serves as the governance body for the implementation of the Initiative. This Committee provides direction for the resolution of project and policy-related issues and oversees the application of the Cabinet Directive. Membership on this Committee includes the Deputy Ministers of Natural Resources Canada (Chair), Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment Canada and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, the Associate Deputy Ministers of Infrastructure Canada and Justice Canada, the Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Operations) of the Privy Council Office, the Presidents of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, and the Chair of the National Energy Board.

The MPMO provides overarching management and coordination of the federal regulatory system for major resource projects. It also provides support to the Major Projects Deputy Ministers’ Committee through the provision of strategic policy advice, analysis and other information.

To ensure effective communication with federal regulatory departments and agencies on key issues to facilitate collaboration and cooperation, interdepartmental working groups have been established at the Assistant Deputy Minister, Director General and working levels.

Federal partners PAA Programs Contributing activities/
programs
Total allocation
($)
2013-14
Planned spending
($)
Actual spending
($)
Expected results Contributing activity/program results

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)

Investment in Natural Resource Sectors

Major Projects Management Office (MPMO)

$ 12,600,000

$ 4,200,000

$  5,127,784
(includes the Strategic Projects Secretariat and the Special Federal Representative on West Coast Energy Infrastructure)

Lead the development and implementation of system-wide legislative, regulatory and policy improvements to deliver predictable and timely project reviews, reduce regulatory burden, improve environmental protection and provide for more meaningful Aboriginal consultation, including implementation of the Government’s plan for Responsible Resource Development (RRD).

The MPMO supported the development of a suite of Responsible Resource Development (RRD) regulations, 11 of which were published in 2013-14. The MPMO also supported the legislative changes for pipeline and offshore liability, as well as measures to ensure a world-class marine safety regime. With support from its federal partners, the MPMO continues to drive ongoing system-wide improvements to the regulatory system for major resource projects in Canada.

Ensure the effective management and oversight of more than 66 major resource project reviews through the Major Projects Deputy Ministers’ Committee, development of Project Agreements and guidance materials for proponents, and regular tracking and reporting on progress to meet new legislative and regulatory timelines for project reviews.

The MPMO managed the federal regulatory process for more than 80 projects representing nearly $230 billion in investments to ensure timely and predictable reviews and that new legislated timelines were met. All MPMO projects undergoing a federal regulatory review are on track to have Project Agreements signed by Deputy Heads. The MPMO is also managing whole-of-government coordination on the review process and Crown consultation for complex energy projects, including the Northern Gateway, Trans Mountain Expansion and Energy East Pipeline projects.

Lead the development and implementation of a consistent, whole-of-government approach to Aboriginal consultation, including advancing the development of new measures to provide greater clarity on the Crown’s duty to consult Aboriginal groups.

The MPMO continues to oversee the whole-of-government approach to Aboriginal consultation for major resource projects, and integrates, to the extent possible, Aboriginal consultation into environmental assessments (EAs) and project reviews.
The MPMO is undertaking a number of key consultation-related initiatives, including:
- Developing guidance for proponents on the Aboriginal consultation approach for major projects;
- Providing project management and oversight of the federal review process of all major projects; and
- Reviewing and overseeing Aboriginal consultation activities for proposed pipeline projects reviewed under s. 52 of the National Energy Board Act.

Engage with partners to improve the alignment of federal and provincial regulatory review processes for major resource projects and to strengthen northern regulatory regimes.

The MPMO serves as co-chair, with Alberta and Nova Scotia, of the Regulatory Reform Working Group (RRWG). At the 2013 Energy and Mines Ministers' Conference, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers endorsed five priorities for the RRWG, including:
1. Further supporting improvements to the coordination of Aboriginal engagement and consultation;
2. Clarifying information requirements for FPT review processes;
3. Exploring further potential areas for regulatory reform to strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of major project reviews;
4. Continuing implementation of RRD by encouraging greater uptake of key tools and processes; and
5. Advancing opportunities to demonstrate the effectiveness of FPT review processes.
To support these priorities, the RRWG will be advancing four deliverables, including to:
1. Clarify federal and provincial information requirements for proponents during the EA and regulatory phases;
2. Share lessons learned on the application of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012;
3. Identify Aboriginal consultation expectations that extend beyond the duty to consult at the early exploration stage of major resource projects using case studies; and
4. Clarify roles and responsibilities of federal and provincial departments in the absence of an EA to ensure coordination continues to be effective.

Work with partners to strengthen environmental protection, including the development and implementation of new measures to ensure world-class marine and pipeline safety regimes.

The MPMO continues to support the Minister and NRCan lead sectors (e.g., Science and Policy Integration Sector, Energy Sector) in the Government's implementation of pipeline and marine safety measures by identifying issues, providing sound advice, and ensuring a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to implementing the measures that impact major project reviews.

Engage with industry, provinces, Aboriginal groups and ENGOs to build awareness of improvements that are underway and gain an understanding of continuing issues.

The MPMO has been working with other government departments and agencies, stakeholders and Aboriginal groups to identify and manage issues pertaining to the implementation of RRD and federal regulatory responsibilities for major resource projects. This includes supporting Ministerial speeches, stakeholder engagement sessions, and ongoing stakeholder outreach.

NRCan Sub-total

$ 12,600,000

$ 4,200,000

$ 5,127,784

 

 

 Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC)

4.0 The Northern Affairs Organization
4.3 Northern Land Resources and Environmental Management

4.3.5 Environmental Management

$ 2,211,000

$ 737,000

$ 737,000

Coordination: Coordinate AANDC participation in MPMO horizontal governance committees; prepare and support the Deputy Minister (DM) for policy discussions.                                                                      
Renewal/Reporting Activity: Lead and coordinate on MPMO financial and other program reporting requirements.                                                           
Policy Activities: Meet AANDC’s northern legislative responsibilities, consultation and northern regimes to align with processes south of 60 for a more predictable and timely regulatory regime in the North.
Provide expert advice on the impact of policy and legislative changes in the North and in areas with modern land claim agreements.

Support major projects through the advancement of EAs to align northern processes with those south of 60.      

Coordination: Coordinated MPMO/NPMO governance responsibilities related to other departments’ policy and legislative initiatives.
Prepared all briefing material, DM scenario notes and senior management policy briefings to support the MPMO structure.
Facilitated the NPMO process by liaising and coordinating with CanNor on the approval of final Project Agreements that require the DM’s endorsement.
Provided support to 27 senior management meetings and ensured their participation from April 1, 2013, to March 31, 2014 (9 DM, 9 ADM and 9 DG meetings).
Renewal/Reporting: Led all program reporting requirements by coordinating input into the DPR and RPP reports.
Led for AANDC on the renewal of the MPMO Initiative.
Policy: Provided support for the MPMO horizontal governance committee meetings, and provided advice and guidance on the northern regulatory regimes.
Finalized key legislative components of the Action Plan to Improve Northern Regulatory Regimes in NWT (i.e., Bill   C-15: the NWT Devolution Act), as well as changes to other pieces of legislation such as Bill C-47: Jobs and Growth Act and the Nunavut Planning and Project Assessment Act.
Led AANDC’s participation in and technical input into EAs (Giant Mine Remediation, Gahcho Kue Diamond Mine and Nechalacho Rare Earth Element projects), and contributed to Crown consultation assessment and planning while implementing new comprehensive Aboriginal consultation process.
Provided expert advice on the impact of policy and legislative changes on the North, including in areas with modern land claims.

3.2 Federal Administration of Reserve Land

3.2.4 Environmental Management
3.2.4.2 Environmental Sustainability

$ 2,391,000

$ 797,000

$ 797,000
+ $ 3,990,938
($ 2,008,998 to support MPMO operational / management of major natural resource projects; $ 1,981,940 to meet AANDC legislative responsibilities and support system-wide legislative and regulatory reforms through Responsible Resource Development)

Support Aboriginal economic development opportunities on reserve by modernizing policies and regulations and by providing project support and expertise.
Meet AANDC’s legislative responsibilities and obligations in relation to EAs for major natural resource projects subject to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012.
Support policy and legislative initiatives to strengthen federal laws of general application undertaken by other federal regulatory departments.
Provide expert advice on the impact of policy and legislative changes on reserves.

Maintain liaison between AANDC and MPMO for on-reserve land management/regulatory issues related to specific projects and various MPMO initiatives. Support AANDC participation in MPMO horizontal governance committee, preparation and support to the DM for policy discussions. Continue to support the committee structure and monthly meetings of the MPMO to provide guidance on reserve land management issues for major projects. Provide expert advice and contribute to the Government’s responses and approaches to reserve land management and issues in relation to major projects. For example, for the Northern Gateway Project, the Lands and Environmental Monitoring Branch (LEMB) was the departmental lead and HQ and regional staff provided expert advice and assistance with hearing documentation and analysis, participated in the Technical Working Group and Aboriginal Advisors Working Group (AAWG) in preparing Information Requests (IRs) and responses, supported the AAWG and Directors General Northern Gateway Working Group on several process and Aboriginal issue matters for the tracking sheets and reviewed and prepared witness preparation materials, testified at the hearing to support on-reserve lands questions, BC treaty process and emergency planning. Since 2012, an AANDC staff member from this sector has worked directly at the Strategic Projects Secretariat on the project file.
Additionally, HQ and ON, AB and BC regional staff have direct and indirect involvement in supporting working groups, federal Crown coordination and participation in project reviews/development initiatives (e.g., Ring of Fire, TECK Frontier, Site C Hydroelectric and other major projects). As the lead for the department, the Lands and Economic Development (LED) sector frequently works with the Consultation and Accommodation Unit on project files in order to support project and issues management. Involvement includes a number of project-specific activities, including meetings, ongoing review of materials related to the regulatory review process for each project, and input to correspondence prepared by the Crown Consultation Coordinator for MPMO projects. This direct and indirect involvement will continue for current and upcoming projects, such as the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion and Energy East Pipeline.
Support AANDC regional monitoring of federal Crown coordination efforts related to legal challenges by Aboriginal groups to MPMO projects, such as Northern Gateway or Site C Hydroelectric.
Continued support for on-reserve land management related to major resource projects, provide support through policy advice and strategic input to other departments developing operational policies that would impact reserve land management. Supported departmental programs, such as the Consultation and Accommodation Unit and Strategic Partnerships Initiative in their contributions to a whole-of-government effort to develop enhanced measures for earlier Aboriginal and proponent engagement, including supporting the work of the Special Federal Representative on West Coast Energy Infrastructure.
As AANDC’s lead on RRD implementation, LED continued to participate and share information on its developed policies and procedures to inform an interdepartmental Federal Lands Working Group on policy approaches, tools and best practices for the administration of federal lands following the enactment of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012). Within the department, this team led policy development to clarify policy issues on how to fulfill departmental obligations pursuant to CEAA 2012, including accommodation, reporting and due diligence. The team ensured that, in order to fully integrate these policies and procedures, other program areas were engaged and that respective manuals and reference documents reflect new procedures and updates resulting from RRD regulatory changes.
The capacity of the regional offices was enhanced, which enabled them to meet their EA, Aboriginal consultation and regulatory responsibilities on MPMO project files, as detailed above. As well, regional offices played a large role in finalizing tools, policies and procedures for AANDC’s Environmental Review Process, which manages the environmental considerations for projects on-reserve that do not require an EA. Regional staff provide advice and guidance to First Nations and practitioner organizations on CEAA 2012 and this new process.
The department discussed and negotiated a substitution process with the province of Saskatchewan to manage the departmental environmental review of the Muskowekwan Potash Mine when the CEAA-led EA was terminated after the enactment of the new Regulations Designating Physical Activities. This includes consultation and accommodation issues, as well as environmental considerations.

 

1.2.4 Consultation and Engagement

 

$ 798,000

$ 266,000

$ 266,000

Develop consistent approaches for managing the fulfillment of AANDC’s legal duty to consult on projects in which the department has statutory responsibilities.
Provide training and guidance to implement Canada’s whole-of-government approach to Aboriginal consultation.
Support and participate in bilateral and multilateral discussions with provinces.
Provide policy advice and advisory services to other federal departments on Aboriginal consultation.

Maintained liaison between AANDC and MPMO for consultation and accommodation issues. Coordinated AANDC participation in MPMO horizontal governance committee, preparation and support to the DM for policy discussions. Continued to support the committee structure and monthly meetings of the MPMO to provide guidance on Aboriginal consultation across Government on major projects. Provided expert advice and contributed to the Government's responses and approaches to Aboriginal consultation on major projects such as the Northern Gateway Pipeline, New Prosperity Mine, Jackpine, Trans Mountain Project and Energy East, according to relevant timelines of the files.
Continued to support consultation related to major resource projects and provided other departments developing operational policies with support, policy advice and strategic input to improve Aboriginal consultation and engagement in project reviews to ensure Canada’s whole-of-government approach to consultation and accommodation. Focused on enhanced measures for earlier Aboriginal and proponent engagement, including supporting the work of the Special Federal Representative on West Coast Energy Infrastructure.
Continued to share information through an interdepartmental team on policy approaches, tools and best practices with other federal departments and agencies. Led policy development to clarify policy issues, including on accommodation, while initiating work to develop the third edition of the guidelines for federal officials on consultation and accommodation.
Discussed and negotiated Memoranda of Understanding and/or consultation protocols with provinces; and discussed protocols with Aboriginal groups across the country to harmonize consultation processes and strengthen relationships.
Continued to support departments/ agencies in meeting Canada’s duty to consult by adding content to the Aboriginal and Treaty Rights Information System (ATRIS) available to federal officials, by strengthening its functionality and by providing training on its use through webinars. AANDC also continued to offer enhanced training on consultation and accommodation across the country, including through tailored sessions for departments and regions. Regional federal networks, led by consultation coordinators, supported regional information sharing about rights and assertions as well as departmental approaches, common challenges and best practices. Consultation information services provided information and advice on potential or established Aboriginal and treaty rights of Aboriginal groups impacted by a major project to departments/agencies.

AANDC Sub-total

$ 5,400,000

$ 1,800,000

$ 4,993,938

 

 

Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
(CEA Agency)

Environmental Assessment Delivery

 

$ 14,867,400

$ 4,955,800

$ 5,225,623

A whole-of-government approach to addressing strategic and project-specific environmental assessment issues, including supporting implementation of the major resource projects initiative.
The federal environmental assessment process and related Aboriginal consultation activities for major resource projects are managed in an effective and efficient manner.

Worked in collaboration with other organizations involved in the Major Resource Projects (MRP) Initiative, which included the continuation of the environmental assessment process of MRPs under the former Act for 3 screenings and 26 comprehensive studies, as well as transitioning 8 panel reviews under CEAA 2012. In addition, collaborated on 30 environmental assessments for MRPs initiated under CEAA 2012 (3 terminated during 2013-14 and 27 are ongoing).
Worked in collaboration with other organizations involved in the MRP Initiative to prepare 2 Decision Statements under CEAA 2012.
Conducted Aboriginal consultation activities with the EAs of these projects consistent with the Cabinet Directive on Improving the Performance of the Regulatory System for Major Resource Projects and its Memorandum of Understanding, and the Updated Guidelines for Federal Officials to Fulfill the Legal Duty to Consult (2011).

Environmental Assessment Policy

 

$ 2,634,000

$ 878,000

$ 877,065

The implementation of this horizontal initiative is supported. Improvements in the process, capacity and associated Aboriginal consultations with respect to major resource projects are achieved.
Policies, procedures and guidance materials are developed for enhancing coordination and collaboration on high-quality, timely and predictable environmental assessment within the regulatory approval process.
Policies, procedures are developed to support the integration of Aboriginal Crown consultations in the environmental assessment and regulatory approval process.

Worked in collaboration with other organizations involved in the MRP initiative to develop amendments to the Regulations Designating Physical Activities (Project List) under CEAA 2012. The changes help ensure federal environmental assessment is focused on major projects with the greatest potential for significant adverse environmental effects in areas of federal jurisdiction.
In cooperation with federal departments and agencies involved in the MRP initiative:
- Continued to refine policies, processes, procedures and guidance on the integration of Aboriginal consultation in the environmental assessment and regulatory approval process.
- Provided subject-matter contributions and advice to MPMO for the development of guidance for major resource project proponents related to integrating Aboriginal consultation with the environmental assessment process in CEAA 2012.
- Continued the development of an approach to incorporate conditions in the Minister of the Environment’s environmental assessment Decision Statements, including aspects pertaining to Aboriginal consultation.

Internal Services

 

$ 6,498,600

$ 2,166,200

$ 1,709,641

Core support services are provided to support program delivery

Provided support for Program delivery in areas such as finance and human resources.

CEA Agency Sub-total

$ 24,000,000

$ 8,000,000

$ 7,812,329

 

 

Environment Canada
(EC)

Canada’s natural environment is conserved and restored for present and future generations

Biodiversity – Wildlife and Habitat

$ 1,465,419

$ 488,473

$ 488,473

Enhanced efficiency and effectiveness of Canadian Wildlife Service’s regulatory role in major resource projects.
Enhanced provision of expertise within the environmental assessment processes for major resource projects, in order to ensure expertise is timely and embodies the best science.
Guidance developed to support Canadian Wildlife Service involvement in the EA process for major resource projects. Specifically, national standards, policies and practices developed for permit issuance under the Species at Risk Act, the Migratory Birds Convention Act, and National Wildlife Act.

The Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) strengthened its provision of scientific expertise regarding wildlife and habitat within environmental assessment processes for major resource projects respecting regulatory timelines.
CWS initiated the development of key policies regarding the implementation of the SARA within environmental assessment processes such as the SARA-CEAA 2012 guidance for designated projects and for projects on federal lands.

 

Water Resources

$ 318,687

$ 106,229

$ 80,240.18

Enhanced hydrologic, water quantity and hydraulic advice from the Sustainable Water Management Division to support EAs on major resource projects.
EC’s responsibilities associated with the International River Improvements Act are supported by standard operating procedures and policies for licensing.

The Emergencies Science and Technology Section (ESTS) contributed to the review of a number of EAs for major oil projects and the provision of scientific subject-matter expertise. Contributions focused on the oil fate and behaviour and spill modelling components, as well as emergency response. This included the review of documentation, information requests, preparation and submission of written evidence, and participation in panel hearings as expert witnesses and in face-to-face meetings with project proponents, where appropriate.
ESTS was also involved in First Nations engagement sessions led by EC EA to discuss petroleum properties, fate and behaviour.

 

Sustainable Ecosystems

$ 2,244,963

$ 704,110

$ 769,553

EC’s participation in the Major Projects Deputy Ministers’ Committee and associated governance structure is well supported.
EC’s participation in the regulatory streamlining initiative for major resource projects is well coordinated across regional offices.
Departmental EA processes are enhanced to ensure an efficient and effective review process for major resource projects. Specifically, these include enhanced quality assurance of departmental input into EAs, project tracking, national-level advice, coordination of expert advice and preparation of guidance material.
Regular, timely and strategic advice is provided on consultation and engagement with Aboriginal groups throughout the regulatory process for major resource projects.
EC’s participation on the Crown Oversight Committee and associated working groups on Aboriginal consultation is supported.

The Environmental Protection Operations Directorate (EPOD) regularly participated in and supported the Major Projects Deputy Ministers’ Committee.
EPOD provided high-quality input into EAs for major resource projects and guidance material.
EPOD provided regular, timely, and strategic advice on Aboriginal consultation through participation in the Crown Oversight Committee and the Federal Consultation Team for key projects such as Northern Gateway.

 

Canadians are equipped to make informed decisions on changing weather, water and climate conditions

Weather and Environmental Services for Targeted Users

$ 318,687

$ 106,229

$ 70,500

Enhanced provision of expertise in the form of hydrological and climate change expertise to ensure impacts of project development as a result of the environment are mitigated.

Participated in the hydrology review of the KSM mining project.

 

Threats to Canadians and their environment from pollution are minimized

Substances and Waste Management

$ 1,236,954

$ 412,318

$ 237,334.84

EC is consistently able to authorize proposed mine tailings impoundment areas within 8 to 10 months from the date of an EA decision.
Provision of mining and processing expertise in EAs of major resource projects is timely.
EC’s regulatory decisions related to Ocean Disposal Permitting are timely.
EC’s involvement in the regulatory process for major resource projects is supported by up-to-date sector-specific guidance.

Marine Programs has advanced the delivery of RRD regulations to introduce regulatory timelines and permit renewal. Funding also advanced workshops to better manage Marine Programs information.
The Mining and Processing Division continued to provide detailed technical input to all EAs of major mining projects where the proponent proposed the development of tailings impoundment areas in waters frequented by fish, the total number of which is currently 22. Technical advice was also provided on other metal and non-metal mining projects that are in the EA process.

 

 

Climate change and clean air

$ 734,787

$ 244,929

$ 189,257

Enhanced sector support on climate modelling and greenhouse gas emissions to EAs and related follow-up and mitigation.
Timely provision of oil and gas sector expertise in EAs of major resource projects.

Provision of climate change expertise was enhanced to ensure environmental impacts on project development are mitigated.
Oil and gas sector expertise in EAs of major resource projects was provided in a timely manner.

 

Internal Services

Internal Services

$ 634,587

$ 211,529

$ 211,529

Core support services are provided to support program delivery.

Core support services were provided to support program delivery.

 

 

Legal Services

$ 545,928

$ 181,976

$ 478,207

Timely legal advice and support on delivery of national EA program involvement in major resource projects.

Legal advice and support provided on a number of major resource projects, including participation in the MPMO legal working group; the provision of legal advice to EC clients with respect to MPMO projects, as well as legal support on litigation related to MPMO projects.

EC Sub-total

$ 7,500,012

$ 2,455,793

$ 2,525,094

 

 

Fisheries and Oceans Canada
(DFO)

Fisheries Protection

Fisheries Protection Operations

$ 17,440,332

$ 5,813,444

$ 5,457,419

Continued participation in MPMO governance mechanisms (e.g., Major Projects Deputy Ministers’ Committee and supporting Direct General and Assistant Deputy Minister working groups, as well as interdepartmental project committees) in support of effective management of the federal regulatory system in relation to major natural resource projects.

Provided support to senior managers in relation to the Major Projects Deputy Ministers’ Committee and supported Director General and Assistant Deputy Minister level working groups. Participated in several interdepartmental project committees, including weekly meetings of the Northern Gateway Project DG working group, in support of effective management of the federal regulatory system in relation to major natural resource projects and horizontal initiatives (e.g., Portland Canal working group).

Provision of DFO technical capacity in the areas of the Fisheries Act, Species at Risk Act (SARA), Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) and Aboriginal consultation activities related to DFO’s regulatory decisions associated with major resource projects identified under this initiative.

Provided technical capacity on behalf of DFO in the areas of the Fisheries Act, SARA, CEAA in those cases where this legislation applies, and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012). Led or provided support with respect to Aboriginal consultation activities on MPMO projects relative to DFO’s regulatory decisions.

Implementation of policies and approaches related to major resource projects involving DFO.

DFO met all of its milestones for MPMO projects as set out in the respective Project Agreements.

Legal Services

$ 609,789

$ 203,263

$ 227,069

Provision of legal services to DFO and legal support to MPMO members through MPMO legal working groups, on policy and operational issues associated with the implementation of the MPMO Initiative with a focus on matters relating to the Fisheries Act, CEAA, CEAA 2012, SARA and Aboriginal consultations.

Provided legal advice and legal risk analysis associated with the review of EA reports and preparation of the Responsible Authority’s course of action decision.

Coordination by a senior counsel of all legal advice and support on relevant MPMO-listed projects where DFO has a high degree of involvement with the projects in question and liaising with the Department of Justice (DoJ) and the ADM Office.

Provided legal advice and support of DFO’s input to MPMO to operationalize the Initiative.

Provision of legal support to DoJ litigators for hearings before boards, tribunals and courts.

Legal Services provided legal support to DoJ litigators on an ongoing basis for hearings before boards, tribunals and courts.

Identification of legal issues and risks associated with ongoing implementation of the MPMO Initiative and development of proposed positions and options to address such issues and risks.

As part of DFO’s integrated risk management approach, MPMO-related legal risks are identified on an ongoing basis and integrated into the Risk Management Framework on a yearly basis. Strategies to mitigate risks and issues are addressed by the Habitat Management Program with support from Legal Services.

Fisheries Protection Program Policy

$ 898,773

$ 300,367

$ 300,367

Continued participation in MPMO governance mechanisms (e.g., Major Projects Deputy Ministers’ Committee and supporting Direct General and Assistant Deputy Minister working groups, as well as other interdepartmental working groups) in support of improving the federal regulatory system.

Provided support to senior managers in relation to the MPMO governance mechanisms (e.g., Major Projects Deputy Ministers’ Committee and supporting Director General and Assistant Deputy Minister level working groups, as well as other interdepartmental working groups). This included providing information on the Fisheries Act amendments and related policy developments.

Provision of support to the development of policies and approaches led by the MPMO in relation to the areas of regulatory activities, EAs and Aboriginal consultation.

Provided input and support to the development of policies and approaches led by the MPMO and other partner agencies (e.g., CEA Agency, AANDC) in relation to the areas of regulatory activities, EAs and Aboriginal consultation.

Continued support to the development of policies and approaches associated with the plan for RRD in relation to DFO’s mandate.

Provided support and input to the development of policies and approaches led by the MPMO and partner departments and agencies, as requested. Communicated MPMO-related policies and approaches to program staff and, where appropriate, integrated these into DFO activities.

Continued progress in developing the policy and regulatory framework for the implementation of the Fisheries Act amendments associated with the plan for RRD.

Developed key policies in relation to the implementation of the Fisheries Protection Provisions of the Fisheries Act, which came into force in November 2013. Regulations (Applications for Authorization under Paragraph 35(2)(b) of the Fisheries Act Regulations), put into place in November 2013, identify information required in applications for Fisheries Act authorizations and the time limits by which these applications would be processed. Entered into administrative arrangements with the National Energy Board and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission by which the two agencies would review projects they regulate to identify potential impacts to fish and fish habitat in order to identify measures to avoid and/or mitigate those impacts. These arrangements support a best-place delivery model for aspects of the Fisheries Act review process with the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans retaining regulatory decision-making authority when impacts cannot be avoided or mitigated.

Internal Services and other (e.g., Real Property, Human Resources)

$ 2,051,106

$ 683,702

$ 683,702

 

 

DFO Sub-total

$ 21,000,000

$ 7,000,000

$ 6,668,577

 

 

Transport Canada
(TC)

Marine Safety

Navigable Waters Protection Program

$ 2,240,523

$ 746,841

$ 589,546

To participate in the various governance mechanisms for the MPMO Initiative where there are implications for navigation.
TC (headquarters and regional staff) to participate in working groups to assist with approval of key documents, processes and tracking systems that concern navigation required to operationalize the MPMO Initiative.
TC to participate in MPMO projects that impact navigation.

TC participated in various governance mechanisms established for the MPMO Initiative, which assist the Major Projects Deputy Ministers’ Committee and associated working groups at the Director General and Assistant Deputy Minister levels.
TC (headquarters and regional staff) participated in interdepartmental working groups to assist with the creation and approval of key documents, processes and tracking systems required to operationalize the MPMO Initiative.
TC has established a national MPMO working group in order to ensure that MPMO processes are applied internally in an efficient manner and that advice to the Associate Deputy Minister is provided in a timely and coordinated manner.

Environmental Stewardship of Transportation

Environmental Programs / Aboriginal Consultation Unit

$ 5,355,735

$ 1,785,245

$ 1,958,877

To participate in the various governance mechanisms for the MPMO Initiative where there are implications for transportation.
TC (headquarters and regional staff) to participate in working groups to assist with approval of key documents, processes and tracking systems that involve transportation required to operationalize the MPMO Initiative.
TC to work on departmental processes to ensure MPMO processes are applied in an efficient manner internally.
TC to participate in projects that involve transportation elements in the MPMO process.
TC to participate in various MPMO governance mechanisms and Aboriginal consultation activities.
To assist with approval of key documents, processes and tracking systems related to Aboriginal consultation on MPMO projects.
To promote consistent and efficient application within TC of MPMO processes related to Aboriginal consultation.

TC participated in various governance mechanisms established for the MPMO Initiative, which assist the Major Projects Deputy Ministers’ Committee and associated working groups at the Director General and Assistant Deputy Minister levels.
TC (headquarters and regional staff) participated in interdepartmental working groups to assist with the creation and approval of key documents, processes and tracking systems required to operationalize the MPMO Initiative.
TC has established a national MPMO working group in order to ensure that MPMO processes are applied internally in an efficient manner and that advice to the Associate Deputy Minister is provided in a timely and coordinated manner.
Funding received was used to increase capacity for technical review of EAs for major resource projects.
TC participated in various governance mechanisms established for the MPMO Initiative, which assist the Major Projects Deputy Ministers’ Committee and associated working groups at the Director General and Assistant Deputy Minister levels.
TC (headquarters and regional staff) participated in interdepartmental working groups to assist with the creation and approval of key documents, processes and tracking systems related to Aboriginal consultation on MPMO projects.
TC has established a national network of Aboriginal consultation specialists (headquarters and regional staff) to promote consistent and efficient application within TC of MPMO processes related to Aboriginal consultation.

Internal Services

Departmental Administration, Finance and Legal Services

$ 2,903,742

$ 967,914

$ 916,274

TC Legal Services to deal with legal issues associated with the regulatory processes for transportation across the country.
To support corporate involvement.

TC has engaged its legal services staff for review of various MPMO documents.
Legal services staff applied a portfolio approach to deal with legal issues associated with the regulatory process across the country.

TC Sub-total

$ 10,500,000

$ 3,500,000

$ 3,464,967

 

 

Total

$ 81,000,012

$ 26,955,793

$ 30,592,689

 

 

Comments on variances:

AANDC was required to incorporate additional A-base FTE resources in order to meet the workload demands of both operational/management of projects and the associated demands of finalizing RRD policy work. The project volume is forecasted to increase and this could have a potential impact on LED FTE resources in trying to deliver on and meet future workload requirements. AANDC anticipates two to three more major projects on-reserve over the next five years.

EC spent less than planned on O&M for Water Resources ($1,847.82 unspent) due to an expert not traveling to the hearings for the Northern Gateway Project in Prince Rupert as a result of injury.

EC (Meteorological Service of Canada), under Weather and Environmental Services for Targeted Users, hired one FTE in 2013-14 to work on MPMO projects; however, because the FTE did not start working until April 2014, the cost associated with hiring the FTE is excluded from this analysis.

Results achieved by non-federal partners (if applicable): NA

Contact information:

Vicky Eatrides, Director General, Major Projects Management Office
Natural Resources Canada
155 Queen Street, 2nd Floor
Ottawa, ON  K1A 0E4

 

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