Evidence on the Adequacy of First Nations Consultation - BC Hydro ...

3 – Consultation Assessment
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3.5.2 SIB
BC Hydro has extensively consulted with the SIB and has entered into a Benefits
Agreement and a Contracting Agreement. In the Benefits Agreement, the SIB
acknowledges, among other things, that it has been adequately consulted and
accommodated with respect to its Aboriginal rights and title in respect of the Project.
3.5.3 Other SNTC Members
BC Hydro is of the view that the level of consultation required for these First Nations is,
at the most, at the low end of the spectrum. All have received notice, access to funding,
and other information and were provided copies of the Application, information about
participating in the regulatory process, and information developed as part of the
Application proceedings. All were made aware of their ability to participate in the
Application proceedings. In view of the fact that the obligation to consult is at the low
end of the Haida spectrum, BC Hydro is of the view that consultation to this stage of the
Project have been reasonable and adequate.
3.5.4 SALD
The SALD similarly received notice of the Project, a copy of this Application, funding,
Project information, and information about the Application proceedings. The SALD was
aware of its opportunity to participate in the Application proceedings and in fact
intervened. Until very recently, the SALD clearly deferred to the leadership of SIB in
consultation with BC Hydro, but has since changed their position. At least one of the
member bands of SALD, Splatsin, provided a letter to SIB confirming support of the SIB
and its relationship to the Project. BC Hydro is willing to meet with the SALD to discuss
any concerns they may have about the project. Given that the obligation to consult is at
the low end of the Haida spectrum, BC Hydro is of the view that consultation with the
SALD have been reasonable and adequate to this stage of the Project.
BCTC Columbia Valley Transmission Project – <strong>Evidence</strong> on Adequacy of First Nations Consultation 19
7 May 2010