The Major Projects Management Office (MPMO) was established in 2007 in Ottawa to support the Government of Canada’s approach to the regulatory review of major resource projects — an approach that ensures a more effective, accountable, transparent and timely review process.
Building on the success of MPMO, the Major Projects Management Office West (MPMO West) will provide an on-the-ground presence to address the unique opportunities and challenges with West Coast energy development. It will coordinate the Government of Canada’s engagement with First Nations and industry on the West Coast to better understand their perspectives on issues related to energy projects such as employment and business opportunities, and tanker and pipeline safety systems.
MPMO West, located in Vancouver, B.C., will serve as a single window for First Nations and industry to engage with the Government of Canada on issues related to West Coast energy infrastructure development. Staff from the office will visit First Nation communities to better understand their views on issues and identify concrete steps to be taken in relation to energy development.
A key function of this office will be to facilitate meaningful engagement and ongoing dialogue with key partners such as industry, First Nations and the Government of British Columbia. It will also address the unique elements of energy exports in BC. MPMO West will work with First Nations to help their communities benefit from energy projects while ensuring the protection of the environment.
The creation of MPMO West responds to the recommendation in the Eyford Report that “Canada should build on the model it has developed with the Major Projects Management Office, and establish a sustained presence of senior officials on the ground in British Columbia with capacity to coordinate and enable Crown engagement with Aboriginal communities on key issues related to the development of energy infrastructure.”
More information on MPMO West can be found at: http://mpmo.gc.ca/home.
Media may contact:
Alexandra Lemieux
Press Secretary
Office of Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario
613-996-2007
or
Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-992-4447
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