Proposed Indigenous Ministerial Arrangements Regulations
Participate in the regulatory development process
If you're interested in participating in an engagement session or learning more about the proposed Indigenous Ministerial Arrangements Regulations (IMARs) through our virtual webinars; please send an email to: imar-rama@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.
The Canadian Energy Regulator Act (CERA) provides the possibility of having ministerial arrangements between the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Indigenous governing bodiesFootnote 1 under sections 77 and 78.
If regulations are made and a ministerial arrangement with Indigenous governing bodies is reached; powers, duties or functions with respect to matters regulated under the CERA could be performed by Indigenous governing bodies. This could include having a role in the regulatory process for the Canada Energy Regulator’s (CER) regulated infrastructure such as pipelines and powerlines within federal jurisdiction, which might otherwise be performed by the CER. The proposed Indigenous Ministerial Arrangements Regulations (IMARs) may further support Canada’s commitment towards reconciliation and renewing relationships with Indigenous Peoples, based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership.
Ultimate outcomes
Enhance Canada’s regulatory efficiency by including Indigenous governing bodies in a meaningful way throughout the project lifecycle;
Continue to improve upon authentic and meaningful engagement led by NRCan;
Fulfilling Canada’s commitments in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan by creating opportunities to work in consultation and cooperation with First Nation, Métis, and Inuit communities, governments and organizations while developing the proposed IMARs; and
Seek to leverage and align with partner organizations by exploring emerging opportunities to enhance Indigenous governing bodies' participation in natural resources decision-making processes.
“Work in consultation and cooperation with First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities, governments and organizations to (i) enhance the participation of Indigenous peoples in, and (ii) set the measures that could enable them to exercise federal regulatory authority in respect of, projects and matters that are currently regulated by the Canada Energy Regulator (CER)."
Action Plan Measure 34 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan
Related links
- Cabinet Directive on Regulation
- Canadian Energy Regulator Act
- Forward Regulatory Plan 2024 to 2026
- Minister of Natural Resources Mandate Letter (2021)
- United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan
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.
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