Free, Prior And Informed Consent: International Context And Its Reflection In Alberta
Abstract
This project compares several international documents about Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) with the United Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and determines the possible changes in the Alberta Regulations and Guidelines for consultation with aboriginal peoples, regarding oil and gas projects. This involves the analysis of the Alberta Consultation Policy and Guidelines and the study of the background of indigenous peoples rights in under the Canadian and international context. The perspectives of experienced professionals involved in the oil and gas industry, and aboriginal consultation process, are also included. The result of this analysis shows that even though Alberta recognizes aboriginal and treaty rights in the regulations, their guidelines are situated in a good position regarding the Free and Informed principles, the province will have to adapt their policy and guidelines to be more in line with the Prior and Consent Principles, to be fully aligned with UNDRIP.