Services we offer

Environmental Assessment Reviews

Expert Review of Environmental Assessments for First Nations

Many Environmental Assessments (EAs) fail to address values commonly held by First Nations. A well-planned engagement can help prevent these errors, leading to better environmental management, protection of Aboriginal and Treaty Rights, and community benefits.

As a front runner in the rapidly evolving field of EA, PGL focuses on the technical and regulatory aspects. We work with First Nations and their legal representatives to improve community participation in the regulatory review of major projects.  In addition to flagging the potential negative impacts, we identify benefits that could be included in an Impact and Benefit Agreement.

Our Approach

Our scientists and regulatory specialists work with land managers, leadership, and community members to provide advice on environmental concerns that members can trust.

We always start by developing an understanding of the unique community values, governance objectives, and cultural history. Our role and approach is designed each time to fit the needs of each First Nation client for the particular project under review. For some clients, PGL has helped First Nations to develop their own EA review process that parallels federal or provincial process.

Next we apply rigorous scientific analysis and thorough knowledge of government regulatory processes and policies to provide advice at each critical step. We filter out the key issues using our skills in EA best practices and environmental management.

Sometimes we lead community meetings to scope environmental concerns and engage directly with regulators and project representatives. Other times we focus entirely on reviewing and commenting on the technical aspects of the project EA.

In all cases, our experts seek to understand the key First Nation issues and find solutions to these specific concerns.

Clients

 Some of our recent First Nation clients we have worked with:

• Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation
• Dene Tha’ First Nation
• Doig River First Nation
• Gitxaała Nation
• Kwantlen First Nation
• Liard First Nation
• McLeod Lake Indian Band
• Metlakatla First Nation
• Mikisew Cree First Nation
• Musqueam First Nation
• Pacheedaht First Nation
• Saulteau First Nations
• Scia’new First Nation
• Sekw’el’was (Cayoose Creek Band)
• Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish Nation)
• St’at’imc Government Services
• Stk’emlupsemc te Secwepemc Nation
• Tsawwassen First Nation
• Wabauskang First Nation
• West Moberly First Nations
• White River First Nation

Recent Projects

We’re always working on a wide variety of projects for First Nations. Here’s a current list:

• oils sands mining (SAGD)
• gas pipelines
• hydroelectric dam
• road construction
• pipeline spill assessment
• bitumen pipeline and tanker transportation
• liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facilities
• submarine gas pipelines
• gold mining
• coal export facility
• coal mining
• wind energy
• real estate development
• highway and bridge construction
• aggregate mining
• port expansion

Our Aboriginal Law firm clients

PGL has earned a solid reputation with law firms by combining a rare combination of skills: reliable technical expertise and strategic regulatory advice with a deep understanding of First Nation values.

We have collaborated with legal teams in support of EA panels and hearings, litigation, benefits negotiations, land management and economic development. Some of these firms are:

• Donavon & Co.
• Devlin Gailus Westaway
• JFK Law
• Mandel Pinder
• Miller Thomson
• Rana Law
• Ratcliff & Co.
• Woodward & Co.

For More Information

Please contact Matt Hammond to discuss our services:

250.940.0767 or 604.682.3707

mhammond@pggroup.com