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Phase 1 Engagement

Last updated on October 6, 2023

Meaningful engagement with both external and internal audiences is vital for the successful development and implementation of the cumulative effects framework. The framework is a complex natural resource sector initiative that requires focused communication and engagement efforts to ensure that feedback and comments can be addressed and the diverse interests of all stakeholders can be balanced.

Past engagement has already helped to form and improve the cumulative effects framework. Initiated in 2010, the conceptual framework was developed in collaboration with internal government stakeholders and targeted external parties. In 2011 and 2012, government implemented a demonstration phase of the cumulative effects framework with demonstration projects of regionally-based cumulative effects assessments in selected areas of the province. Drawing from the lessons learned from this process, government initiated a phased approach to implementing the framework starting in 2013.

Phase 1 Engagement (March to October 2015) was a period of targeted consultations with key internal and external stakeholders to receive feedback on draft cumulative effects framework policy. The comments and feedback received focused primarily on:

  • the accountability for decision-making
  • governance structure
  • selection of values
  • development of assessment procedures
  • consideration of risk in the management process
  • ultimate decision-making

A summary of this feedback can be found in the Phase 1 Engagement Summary (PDF, 0.4 MB). The feedback and comment helped to improve the initial draft policy and value assessment approaches with substantial revisions that better reflect and address the suggestions provided during the Phase 1 Engagement initiative.  

Phase 2 Engagement (April to July 2016) was government's second formal engagement initiative to review and solicit feedback on the draft cumulative effects framework policy, draft value assessment procedures, and preliminary assessment results for Aquatic Ecosystems, Grizzly Bear, and Old Growth Forest.