Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

Our Government will designate officials to be facilitators for early stage proponents within the mining, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. These individuals will liaise with operators and companies in early stages of exploration and development to guide them through the provincial policy and regulatory frameworks, as well as liaise with government departments to ensure a streamlined response. This will reduce barriers to access and entry and help companies navigate through the various support and regulatory functions for operation in the province. By March 31, 2017, Industry Facilitators will be designated and the Provincial Government website will be updated with contact information.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Department of Natural Resources has designated Industry Facilitators to assist early stage proponents within the mining, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors.
• Facilitators liaise with operators and companies in early stages of exploration and development providing guidance with provincial policy and regulatory frameworks and coordination supports when engaging with other government departments.
• There have been 45 inquires to the department since April 2017.
  • A small percentage of those inquires were directly related to investment in mining and/or petroleum development resulting in an ongoing contact.
  • In the majority of cases, information on the department, our mandate, etc. has been offered in addition to referrals where appropriate.
• There have been a number of inquiries to the four Industry Liaison delegates within the Department of Natural Resources. Some inquiries have resulted in referrals and consultations in the department or in other departments. Other inquiries have been more general questions that were addressed directly by the Industry Liaison delegates.
• The Department of Natural Resources has developed an internal tracking mechanism for this initiative and will ensure timely responses.