Call for Delegates: Joint Oil Sands Monitoring Component Advisory Committee Representatives

Position: 
Component Advisory Committee Representatives
Initiative: 
Joint Canada-Alberta Implementation Plan for Oil Sands Monitoring
Application Deadline: 
13 Sep 2013

On behalf of Environment Canada (EC) and Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD), I would like to invite up to three representatives from the Alberta Environmental Network to participate on each of the Component Advisory Committees (Air, Water, Biodiversity, and Wildlife Contaminants and Toxicology).  The Component Advisory Committees support the Joint Canada-Alberta Implementation Plan for Oil Sands Monitoring (“the Implementation Plan”).

Context

In February 2012, the Implementation Plan was announced, committing the two Governments to implement scientifically rigorous, comprehensive, integrated and transparent environmental monitoring of the oil sands region -- to better inform decisions that ensure this important national resource is developed in a responsible way.

Both governments are committed to engaging stakeholders from various sectors, including industry, First Nations, Metis Organizations, Academia, and Environmental Non-government Organizations (ENGOs) on the Implementation Plan and its activities.  As part of that commitment, on May 8, 2013, the Joint Oil Sands Monitoring Program Committee Co-Chairs agreed to establish a series of multi-stakeholder Component Advisory Committees.   

It is our hope the Alberta Environmental Network will work with its members to identify representatives for each of the Component Advisory Committees. 

Purpose

The multi-stakeholder Component Advisory Committees will recommend annual monitoring activity plans to achieve the Implementation Plan objectives, as specified by the both the Governments of Canada and Alberta, and make recommendations to strengthen the robustness and reliability of regional monitoring activities.

Please note that due to a short notice period, Andrew Read of Pembina and Bob Cameron of South Peace were appointed as delegates to attend the Sept 6 and 13 JOSM Air CAC meetings. They both have previous experience in airshed monitoring in oil and gas regions.

There is still one AEN/ENGO spot available in the Air CAC for future meetings. There are up to 3 spots available for AEN/ENGO delegates to the other 3 CAC’s.

Time Commitment: 

While this is an evolving process, it is expected that membership on each of the Component Advisory Committees will be for a term of three (3) years.  The number of meetings will be determined by each Component Advisory Committee.  Meetings will be held either face-to-face or by teleconference, and delegates can expect a minimum of two (2) face-to-face meetings per year.

Dates and notes for potential applicants to consider:

  • Air: First meetings September 6 & 13 in Edmonton: Andrew Read of the Pembina Institute and Bob Cameron of the South Peace Environmental Association appointed
  • Water: First meetings planned for October 14 & 15 in Calgary.
  • Biodiversity: Multi-stakeholder workshop planned for September 30.
  • Wildlife Contaminants and Toxicology: First meeting September 23 in Edmonton.
Expenses & Honoraria: 

Participation in the JOSM CAC’s falls under the AESRD-AEN contract and reimbursement guidelines.

An AEN travel/honorarium reimbursement form will be provided to participating delegates.

Selection Criteria: 
  • Up to three representatives for each Component Advisory Committee, who can participate in technical and process discussions related to air, water, biodiversity, or wildlife contaminants and toxicology. 
  • Familiarity with the environment and environmental issues in northern Alberta, and with technical environmental monitoring information.
  • Familiarity with environmental monitoring initiatives in northern Alberta, including the Joint Canada-Alberta Implementation Plan for Oil Sands Monitoring.  As well, familiar with the work and concepts supporting the monitoring activities associated with each of the Component Advisory Committees.
  • Able to provide strategic advice to ESRD, EC, and stakeholders regarding the implementation of the Implementation Plan and the individual monitoring components.
  • Experience in multi-stakeholder decision making and providing recommendations.
  • A member of a reputable environmental organization with experience in environmental monitoring.

Delegate Expectations

  • Make own travel and accommodation arrangements.
  • Review and analyze document(s) provided associated with the Committee agenda.
  • Provide input at the meetings, and in writing following the meetings, as requested.
  • Provide feedback to and from the ENGO constituent community.
  • Be respectful of timelines and commitment to the process.

 

Application Instructions: 

Please send your statement of interest with: CAC of interest, name, organisation, email, and summary of your relevant experience/expertise to [email protected] by Friday, September 13. An AEN delegate selection meeting for the 4 JOSM CAC’s will occur on Wednesday, September 18.