For all NTPC Projects with environmental impacts, there is a regulatory requirement to acquire permits. For example, the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act (ie. the water boards) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) administer permits such as Water Licenses, Land-use Permits, and Fisheries Act Authorizations to authorize, govern, and monitor environmental impacts.
One key requirement for many of these permits is consultation with Indigenous Governments (IGs) and Stakeholders to share information about the project, address questions and concerns about, in the best case, garner support for the initiative or activity.
HSE has been actively engaging IGs and Stakeholders throughout the year on a number of permit applications. In 2022-23 engagement has focused on:
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Extended overhaul shutdown at Taltson;
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L150 Anchor Assessment;
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Taltson Winter Road Amendment; and
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Walleye spawning study.
There have been eight consultation meetings conducted in 2022 with Salt River First Nations, the Fort Smith Metis Council, the Northwest Territories Metis Nation and the Fort Resolution Metis Council. These meetings are an excellent way to engage with various groups and listen to environmental concerns in an operational context and also to incorporate traditional knowledge into project planning. We also learn the ways NTPC can support, inform, and participate in gathering information about ways we can offset operational impacts.
In 2022, consultation meetings have concluded positively with both NTPC and the groups consulted learning more about each other and the operational context for various planned activities.