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Between:
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN IN RIGHT OF CANADA as represented by the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development (herein referred to as "Canada"),
and
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN IN RIGHT OF NOVA SCOTIA as represented by the Minister of the Nova Scotia Office of Aboriginal Affairs (herein referred to as "Nova Scotia").
Collectively referred to as "The Parties"
Whereas the Crown has a duty to consult Aboriginal peoples and, if appropriate, accommodate, when the Crown contemplates conduct that might adversely impact established or potential Aboriginal or treaty rights.
Whereas Canada and Nova Scotia have signed the Mi’kmaq-Nova Scotia-Canada Consultation Terms of Reference, which outlines a preferred protocol for conducting consultation with the Mi’kmaq in Nova Scotia.
Whereas third parties do not have a duty to consult, there may be circumstances where it is beneficial to include third parties in consultation related activities and/or specific consultations.
Whereas Canada and Nova Scotia wish to co-operate to facilitate effective and efficient Aboriginal consultation and accommodation among the Province of Nova Scotia, Canada and the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia in accordance with the Mi’kmaq-Nova Scotia-Canada Consultation Terms of Reference.
Therefore the Parties to this MOU wish to build on existing relationships to strengthen effective and co-ordinated approaches to Aboriginal consultation activities and initiatives to the extent possible and to this end have agreed to the following provisions:
This MOU is intended to promote co-operation, to the extent possible, between the Parties by outlining ways to:
3.1 Aboriginal Peoples/Groups: A community of Indian, Inuit or Métis people that holds or may hold Aboriginal or treaty rights under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.
3.2 Aboriginal Rights: These rights are collective, based on the practices, traditions and customs integral to the distinctive culture of Aboriginal groups. Generally, these rights are fact and site specific.
3.3 Crown: Crown refers to all government departments, ministries, agencies, other Crown entities to the extent possible as prescribed by the mandating legislation for such entities, and includes all government employees that are doing the work of the Government.
3.4 Legal Duty to Consult: The common law duty to consult is based on judicial interpretation of the obligation of the Crown. In the Haida, Taku River, Mikisew Cree and Little Salmon/Carmacks decisions, the Supreme Court of Canada held that the Crown has a legal obligation to consult and, if appropriate, accommodate, when the Crown contemplates conduct that might adversely impact Aboriginal or treaty rights (established or potential) of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada, recognized in section 35 of the Constitution Act 1982.
3.5 Third Party: An entity (e.g. proponent, industry, business, municipalities and corporations) whose interactions with the Crown may result in the Crown’s legal duty to consult Aboriginal groups whose rights may be adversely impacted by the third party’s activities.
The Parties will provide guidance and direction in conducting consultation and accommodation activities by:
The Parties recognize that the exchange of timely and relevant information between Canada and Nova Scotia on consultation and accommodation-related information and activities will foster greater transparency and understanding; avoid unnecessary delays; streamline complex, multi-party processes; and encourage a comprehensive approach. Two broad categories of information will be considered:
6.1 Training
The Parties will align their education and training efforts so that a foundation of common knowledge exists among provincial and federal public employees which respects each party's privileged legal information and also limits the duplication within the two current training programs. The Parties agree to the following:
6.2 Engaging Third Parties
The Parties will jointly develop engagement opportunities for third parties, such as industry, and deliver information sessions for conferences, public presentations and events aimed at strengthening a third party’s capacity around consultation and accommodation, where possible and appropriate.
6.3 Building Knowledge
The Parties will, where possible, exchange experiences, ideas and best practices in the field of Aboriginal consultation which contribute to innovative approaches and well-developed tools to assist in decision-making. This MOU presents the opportunity to formally recognize and strengthen the existing mechanisms of dialogue and exchange among federal and provincial practitioners to better share information, tools and best practices. The Parties agree to the following:
The Parties, as represented through the Nova Scotia Office of Aboriginal Affairs Consultation Unit and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada’s Consultation and Accommodation Unit, will provide leadership, direction and support on consultation and accommodation on behalf of their respective governments. Joint roles and responsibilities include:
No Parties shall disclose any confidential information obtained from the other Party, without the written consent of the other, to any third parties, except as required by law or by regulatory authorities.
9.1 The Parties commit to establish a joint working group which in turn will develop a joint work plan that outlines annual activities associated with the MOU. Provincial departments and federal departments/agencies will be asked for input on additional collaborative efforts that could be highlighted in the work plan. Leadership for the development of the work plan will be provided by the Nova Scotia Office of Aboriginal Affairs Consultation Unit and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada’s Consultation and Accommodation Unit. The work plan will be reviewed and approved by the Deputy Minister of the Nova Scotia Office of Aboriginal Affairs and the Deputy Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada.
9.2 Where appropriate, the Parties will work collaboratively within Nova Scotia on the implementation of the MOU and elements of the work plan.
Each Party is responsible for the costs of its respective consultation activities. However, where possible, the Parties agree to pursue reduced costs associated with meetings, travel, communication, etc. Additional costs associated with the implementation of the MOU will be identified in the work plan (i.e. joint research).
The Parties will review this MOU every two years and at any time at the request of a Party.
This MOU may be terminated on a 90 days written notice of that intention from either Party to the other.
In Witness Thereof this MOU has been executed on behalf of Canada by the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development and on behalf of Nova Scotia by the Minister of the Nova Scotia Office of Aboriginal Affairs.
This MOU, which reflects the current understanding and intentions of the Parties, takes effect on October 12, 2012.