Background:
The Policy Management Office (PMO), established in September 2012 and jointly reporting to the Alberta Department of Energy (DOE) and Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD), facilitates the development and integration of natural resource policies between the Government of Alberta and the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER). The PMO is responsible for leading implementation of the six Regulatory Enhancement Project (REP) Enhancing Assurance recommendations (http://www.energy.alberta.ca/Initiatives/2785.asp ), which include: establishing a single regulatory body for upstream oil and gas, oil sands and coal development activities; providing a clear engagement process; ensuring a common risk assessment and management approach; adopting a performance-‐measurement framework and public reporting function; and ensuring an effective mechanism to address landowners’ concerns.
The workshop is focussing on recommendation 3 from Enhancing Assurance. Recommendation 3 states: Provide clear public engagement processes that enable parties to engage effectively at the policy development and policy assurance stages. Further information on the Policy Management Office and the Regulatory Enhancement Project in Alberta can be found on the Alberta Department of Energy REP website.
Purpose and Tasks:
The purpose of the workshop is to discuss principles and processes important for improved stakeholder engagement in policy development, implementation and evaluation related to the management of Alberta’s natural resources. This discussion is to occur with a broad range of stakeholders to ensure many perspectives can be considered in developing options for improving stakeholder engagement. Stakeholders have identified a number of improvements needed to improve public engagement processes at both the policy development and policy assurance stages. We want to confirm what we’ve heard in previous consultations and move forward by working with workshop participants to propose enhancements to engagement processes.
The two day workshop will be held on May 28 and 29, 2014 from approximately 8:15 am - 4:30 pm (times to be confirmed) in Edmonton, Alberta. Approximately one week before the workshop participants will be provided with materials to help prepare for the workshop (likely a few hours of preparation time required).
Expense reimbursement and honoraria are available in accordance with the Alberta Environment & Sustainable Resource Development – Alberta Environmental Network Communication and Reporting Protocol and contract.
The PMO is seeking a delegate who:
- Understands and accepts the delegate expectations listed below.
- Is available for the whole workshop and committed to the process.
- Proven ability to participate, work professionally, constructively and collaboratively with other stakeholders and with government representatives.
- Is familiar with existing stakeholder engagement processes at the policy development and assurance phases.
- Can provide strategic advice to the Policy Management Office regarding the development and implementation of an enhanced Engagement Framework.
- Is a member of a reputable environmental organization with experience in stakeholder engagements associated with natural resource and environment issues.
- Has experience in multi-stakeholder decision making and providing recommendations.
- Committed to effectively represent the perspectives of AEN members regarding engagement in the policy development and assurance phases.
- Has familiarity with or past participation in Alberta Environment & Sustainable Resource Development and/or Alberta Energy engagement processes.
- Membership in an AEN member group in good standing.
Delegate Expectations:
- Make own travel and accommodation arrangements.
- Review and analyze background documents provided with the workshop agenda.
- Attend the full two-days while providing input at the workshop and in writing following the workshop, as requested.
- Provide feedback to and from the ENGO constituent community.
Please apply by email to [email protected] by Friday, May 16 providing:
- Your contact information (including address, email, and phone number.)
- The name of the AEN member group which you will represent.
- A brief description of your background and abilities, particularly those relevant to the selection criteria (1-2 pages), may include resume also.
Delegate Selection:
- The AEN delegate selection for delegates to this PMO Engagement Workshop will occur as first item of business at the AEN Water Caucus teleconference meeting scheduled for Noon, Tuesday May 20.
- All AEN members in good standing are invited to be involved in the delegate selection process. Please contact the AEN office at [email protected] for teleconference dial-in information.