Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is seeking participation from Indigenous groups, stakeholders, and interested parties to inform the development of the proposed Indigenous Ministerial Arrangements Regulations (IMARs). If developed, these regulations could enable Indigenous governing bodies to carry out certain powers, duties or functions currently carried out by the Canada Energy Regulator (CER).
NRCan is currently undertaking Phase 2 of the IMARs National Engagement Strategy. NRCan is seeking participation from Indigenous groups, stakeholders, and interested parties through in person or virtual engagement sessions, and/or through written responses to the Phase 2 Discussion Paper. The Discussion Paper was published in January 2026. Check this webpage for updates on IMARs progress.
Preparing for an IMARs engagement session
NRCan has prepared materials to help ensure participants are able to fully participate in IMARs engagement activities:
- Proposed IMARs Information Sheet (PDF, 918 KB)
- Regional Profiles for Federally Regulated Energy Infrastructure
In addition to these resources, interested Indigenous participants are also encouraged to refer to the Related links.
Discussion Paper 2025-2026
The Discussion Paper explores potential opportunities, benefits, considerations, and options for the proposed regulations. It will be used to support further engagement with Indigenous groups, industry and other stakeholders as well as to inform the potential development of the proposed regulations.
NRCan will be collecting written submissions on the Discussion Paper until March 31, 2026. Read the Discussion Paper on Let’s Talk Natural Resources.
What We Heard 2024-2025 report
This report summarizes the input received during engagement sessions and in written submissions from Indigenous groups that have engaged between April 2024 and March 2025 on the development of the proposed IMARs.
NRCan received comments and feedback on a wide range of issues, including considerations related to the overall regulatory development process and elements that could be considered in the proposed regulations.
Engagement sessions
NRCan will be hosting a series of in-person and virtual engagement sessions between November 2025 and January 2026. These sessions will be focused on discussing considerations to inform the proposed regulations. Each session is expected to follow a similar format.
To attend an engagement session, please register using the links below. Each attendee is required to register.
2025
November 4, 2025
- Location and time: Ottawa (9-3pm EST)
- Type of session: In-person
- Audience: Chief and Council, Leadership and NRCan senior management
- Registration closed
November 13, 2025
- Location and time: MS Teams (12-3pm EST)
- Type of session: Virtual
- Audience: Indigenous groups
- Registration closed
November 20, 2025
- Location and time: MS Teams (12-3pm EST)
- Type of session: Virtual
- Audience: Indigenous groups
- Registration closed
December 10, 2025
- Location and time: MS Teams (12-3pm EST)
- Type of session: Virtual
- Audience: Industry
- Registration closed
2026
January 14, 2026
- Location and time: Vancouver (9-4pm PST)
- Type of session: In-person
- Audience: Indigenous groups
- Registrationd close
January 20, 2026
- Location and time: Edmonton (9-4pm MST)
- Type of session: In-person
- Audience: Indigenous groups
- Registration closed
January 21, 2026
- Location and time: Edmonton Métis session (9-4pm MST)
- Type of session: In-person
- Audience: Métis groups
- Registration closed
February 3, 2026
- Location and time: Regina (9-4pm CST)
- Type of session: In-person
- Audience: Indigenous groups
- Register closed
February 19, 2026 (New date)
- Location and time: MS Teams (12-3pm EST)
- Type of session: Virtual
- Audience: Indigenous groups
- Register here
February 26, 2026 (New date)
- Location and time: MS Teams (12-3pm EST)
- Type of session: Virtual
- Audience: Industry
- Register here
Regional profiles
Related links
- Proposed Indigenous Ministerial Arrangements Regulations
- CER – Who we are and what we do
- CER – Acts and Regulations
- How new laws and regulations are created
Contact us
For additional information on the proposed IMARs or to submit comments in writing, please send an email to Indigenous Ministerial Arrangements Regulations at: imar-rama@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.