Next steps for oil sands monitoring annual report 2013 to 2014
3. Next steps
Progress was made in the second year of JOSM implementation. Enhancements to the environmental monitoring system as outlined in the Implementation Plan were made; processes and governance structures as well as funding mechanisms to support oil sands monitoring, were successfully established.
Implementation activities are underway for year three (2014 to 2015), and JOSM will continue to adapt based on lessons learned from the first two years to successfully execute year three of the Joint Canada/Alberta Implementation Plan for Oil Sand Monitoring.
In year three, governments will be wholly responsible for the collection and management of all funds related to JOSM and the JOSM fiscal year will be standardized for all participants as April 1 to March 31. A single, integrated, government-led planning and engagement process will be implemented. CAC roles and responsibilities will become technical in nature, with processes established to ensure consistency in work planning activities across the CACs as outlined in the revised Terms of Reference for the CACs.
Aboriginal and stakeholder participation continue to be a vital part of the JOSM program. Through the JOSM engagement process, oil sands-related sectors and stakeholders will continue to be invited to receive information and provide their input on JOSM activities. Focused dialogue will continue with Aboriginal peoples to ensure JOSM is effective in responding to their interests and concerns, as well as identifying ways and means of encouraging sustained Aboriginal participation, and facilitating the inclusion of TEK within JOSM. Greater project management will be implemented to provide improved oversight of JOSM partners delivering monitoring work.
Achieving scientifically rigorous, comprehensive, and integrated environmental monitoring of the oil sands region will require the continued efforts of both Canada and Alberta, and all JOSM participants in the planning, implementation, evaluation and reporting of activities under the Joint Canada-Alberta Implementation Plan for Oil Sands Monitoring.