NORTH COaST Land and resource management plan

 

 

 

 

 

 

Terms of reference

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

north coast LRMP

terms of reference

Review Draft #2

Table of Contents

Terms, Definitions and Acronyms.............................................................. 2

Introduction................................................................................................... 4

Purpose and Outcomes of the LRMP........................................................ 4

Plan Area...................................................................................................... 4

Linkage to the Coast Information Team.................................................... 5

Relationship to Aboriginal Issues............................................................... 5

Relationship to Other Planning Processes............................................... 5

Timeframe for Completion.......................................................................... 6

          Milestones.......................................................................................... 6

Planning Table............................................................................................. 7

          General............................................................................................... 7

          Table Member Responsibilities....................................................... 7

          Table Structure................................................................................... 8

Process Team.............................................................................................. 9

Broad Public Participation.......................................................................... 10

Provincial Legislation and Policy............................................................... 10

Review and Approval of Consensus Document....................................... 11

Implementation............................................................................................. 11

Annex 1: N Coast LRMP Ground Rules.................................................... 12

Annex 2: N Coast LRMP Table Membership........................................... 18

Annex 3:  Participant Funding Guidelines.......................................................... 19
Terms, definitions and acronyms

 

Term

Definition / Explanation

Acronym

 

Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management. 

The provincial ministry formed in May of 2001, the Ministry is responsible for strategic land use planning by the provincial government.

MSRM

Coast Information Team

An independent information body designed to provide assistance and recommendations to planning tables on ecosystem based management, resource analysis, community transition and diversification, and other topics as requested by the table membership.

CIT

Land & Resource Management Plan

A sub-regional, consensus seeking planning process involving affected stakeholders, First Nations and governments.

LRMP

North Coast LRMP

Plan area reference for the North Coast LRMP

North Coast LRMP

Process Participant

Individual or organization formally recognized as participating in the North Coast LRMP process as a member of a sector represented at the Table.

 

Table Member/Sector Representative

The individual formally recognized by others within a sector as their representative at the Table, and being able to make commitments for the sector at Table meetings. Each Table member will be limited to a designated alternate for the purpose of representation at the Table.

 

Government Sector Representative

This individual will represent government’s strategic interests in sustainable economic development and in scientifically based recommendations.  He/ she will represent all government agencies as a table member and integrate guidance from the IAMC into table negotiations.  Reports to and is accountable to the Regional Manager of the MSRM.

 

Interagency Management Committee

A committee of regional managers who will provide advice on North Coast issues to the Government Sector Representative.

IAMC

Government Technical Team

Provincial government technical team, established to provide mapping, analysis and report/plan writing support, as well as government policy and program information to the Table.  Chaired by Process Manager.

GTT

Plan Area

The area within the plan boundary and above the high water mark

 

Terrestrial

Component of the plan area that is above the high tide line.  Interior fresh water bodies will be planned as a component of the terrestrial.

 

Community

Includes both the local inhabitants within the plan area and communities of interests.

 

Process Chair(s)

The individual(s) appointed to the process by the Minister of SRM to chair and facilitate Table meetings, and resolve critical issues between parties to complete the process.  May retain facilitators and special advisors to assist in resolution of Table issues. Reports to and is accountable to the Minister for successful achievement of process milestones. Accountable to the Tablemembers for maintenance of collaborative approach among participants.

 

Process Manager

The individual accountable to the Regional Manager of MSRM for the smooth operation and completion of the planning process in accordance with its Terms of Reference.  Responsible for logistical and financial support for the process.  

Chairs the GTT. Serves as alternate chair of the Table, and chairs and provides for facilitation (which may include independent facilitation) for working group and small group negotiation sessions between Table meetings.

 

Process Team

A team comprised of the Process Chair, Process Manager,  facilitators (as required), and Technical Coordinator.  Meets as required to review process issues and strategies, develop workplans to meet milestones. Does not include Government Sector Representative.

 

Technical Coordinator

The individual who coordinates the gathering of inventories, the development of analysis methodology, spatial modelling, the development of background reports, information provision, meeting logistics, coordination of analysis team functions and research projects as required. Serves as alternate chair of the GTT.

 

 


1.      Introduction

These Terms of Reference will guide the North Coast Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP) process.  They establish a Planning Table (The Table) and outline how the process proceeds and the scope of the plan.  The Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management is responsible for strategic land use planning by the provincial government.

The Ground Rules for the LRMP Table are attached as Appendix 1.  The Table is responsible for approving the Ground Rules.

2.      Purpose and outcomes of the LRMP

The North Coast LRMP process gives an opportunity to interested groups and individuals, including First Nations and government agency representatives, to prepare recommendations on land and resource use and to submit these recommendations to the provincial government for consideration and approval.  The purpose of the plan is to:

·        Foster economic and environmental sustainability through an Ecosystem Based Management approach;

·        Deliver a comprehensive system of land use zoning that clearly describes the location of each zone and its resource values, general management direction for each zone, management objectives and strategies applicable to specific zones, and any implementation requirements such as policy or legislative change; and

·        Identify economic, environmental social and community transition requirements and strategies;

3.      Plan Area

Figure 1 shows the LRMP plan area.  The North Coast LRMP will provide strategic land and resource management direction for activities on Crown land within the planning area.   The LRMP area covers 1.7 million hectares. 

The North Coast LRMP will make recommendations for terrestrial areas.  In addition, the process may consider protection of foreshore and near shore areas under provincial jurisdiction, where adjacent terrestrial values are being considered for protection. 

 

4.      LINKAGE TO THE COAST INFORMATION TEAM (CIT)

An independent, multi disciplinary information body is being established to provide advice and recommendations to the LRMP Table on an Ecosystem Based Management (EBM) framework, resource strategies, zoning and other matters.  Products developed by the CIT will support the North Coast LRMP decision-making process.   As well the Table may request additional information from the CIT through the Process Manager and Chair.  Subsequent items may be confirmed through a service agreement between the Process Manager and the CIT Management Committee. The CIT Terms of Reference will be provided to the Table.

The CIT Management Committee will provide regular updates to the LRMP Table on progress, information assembly, resource analysis, products, and other items.  The Table may elect to delegate this responsibility of liaison to the Government Technical Team (GTT) for effectiveness.

Products from the CIT, including results from the associated EBM pilots projects, will be provided to the Table for their consideration in the development of EBM planning products. The LRMP Table is not bound to accept any CIT recommendations.

5.      RELATIONSHIP TO ABORIGINAL ISSUES

The First Nations relationship to the North Coast LRMP is shaped in part by the development of the General Protocol Agreement on Land Use Planning and Interim Measures and the Tsimshian Accord.  These agreements detail commitments and  provideand provide parameters related to interim measures and sustainable environmental, economic and social development.

A number of issues have been discussed with First Nations in relation to development of their own Land Use Plans for the North Coast area.  These issues are being addressed through Contribution Agreements between the province and First Nations and will contribute to the LRMP process.

The North Coast LRMP process and all products produced by the North Coast LRMP are without prejudice to First Nations and the provincial and federal government on land and resource management issues at the treaty table and First Nation claims of rights and title. 

Similarly, involvement by a First Nation in the North Coast LRMP process does not abrogate the Province’s responsibility to prevent the infringement of aboriginal rights through the process of consultation with a First Nation on specific development proposals, nor shall it be considered a substitute for such consultation.

6.      RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PLANNING PROCESSES

The North Coast LRMP will take into consideration the information and products produced by existing planning processes underway or completed (e.g. LRUP’s, park master plans, urban plans, First Nations resource plans, etc.) for portions of the Plan Area.  Once the LRMP is approved, it will provide direction to future local plans such as landscape unit plans, and could lead to modifications of existing local plans.


 

7. Time Frame For Completion

The target for completing the products outlined in these Terms of Reference is 18 months following the first Table meeting prior to the end of January 2002.

67.1  Milestones

The Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management has established the following milestones for the planning process:

Milestone

Products

Completion Date (Months after Process Start-up)

Process Initiation

·           Terms of Reference/ Ground Rules

·           Workplan

·           Vision

 

 

1 month

Assess Situation

·           Resource maps

·           Resource background reports

·           Vision, interests, and indicators

·           Policy review

 

 


4 months

Scenario Development

·           Scenario development including map products and management intent

·           Scenario analysis, including socio-economic and environmental analysis

·           Process team assessment on the Table’s readiness to proceed with final negotiation

 

 

 


12 months

Negotiate Agreement

Recommendations Package:

·           General management direction

·           Zoning and associated objectives and strategies

·           Additional strategies developed by Table





22 months

Ratify and Approve Plan

·           Socio-economic and environmental analysis

·           Public Review

·           Ratified recommended plan submitted to government

·           Government approved plan

 

For each milestone date, the Process Manager will provide a status report to the Regional Manager of MSRM.  If the Table is unable to achieve a milestone by the target date the Process Team may identify alternate steps to move the process forward.  This may include requesting the Government Technical Team to prepare products or options for the Table or making a decision on items causing any impasse at the table.

8.      Planning Table

8.1       General

·        The Table will follow a sectoral model of representation. Members of the Table are representatives of the sectors who have been invited to participate by the Minister of SRM.

·        The Table will develop a Recommended North Coast LRMP.

·        The Table will strive for consensus on substantive issues, including the recommended LRMP.  Consensus is defined as having no substantial disagreement with the decision.  Table members may have concerns about specific aspects of the agreement, but can accept that the proposal goes forward.

·        The Table will have Members from the public, First Nations, and federal, provincial and local governments, representing a cross-section of interests in the plan area.  Alternates to Table members will provide support to those members on an ongoing basis (see Appendix 2).

·        The Table will follow the Ground Rules specified in Appendix 1 to ensure it functions smoothly and everyone who participates in the process does so in a fair and equitable manner. 

·        The Table will rely largely on smaller working groups or subcommittees to accomplish substantive discussions and negotiations between meetings.  Recommendations and/or negotiated products developed by these groups are subject to review and acceptance by the Table.

·        The Process Manager has the discretion to invite additional experts to participate in working groups or subcommittess  - for example when specific technical knowledge is required from someone who is not involved in an existing sector.

 

8.2       Public RepresentationTable Member Responsibilities

Responsibilities of Table Members include the following:

·        Representing the interests of their sector in consensus negotiations;

·        Being accountable to members of their sector;

·        Identifying members of their sector to participate in working group or subcommittee work;

·        Sharing information between members of their sector and the Table through consultation and communication mechanisms established by the sector;

·        Staying current with information and the progress of Table discussions (applies to alternate as well);

·        Designating an alternate for when they cannot attend meetings; and

·        Abiding by the Table Ground Rules.

8.3             Table Structure

The North Coast LRMP Table will have the following structure including representation from the public, government, and First Nations.  These Table members will, as a group, fulfill the responsibilities noted above and will be organized as detailed below – according to their specific interests and with additional responsibilities as noted.

·        Community Economic Development

·        Conservation and Environment

·        Major Forest Companies

·        Small Business Forestry

·        Fish and Wildlife Habitat

·        Federal agencies (1 seat)

·        Haisla  (one seat)

·        Metlakatla (one seat)

·        Gitga’at (one seat)

 

·        Labour

·        Mining and Exploration

·        Tourism

·        Recreation

·        Provincial agencies (1 seat)

·        Local government (2 seats)

·        Nisga’a  (one seat)

·        Kitkatla (one seat)

·        Lax Kwallams (one seat)

 

 

 

 

8.3.1   Public Sector Representatives

Each sector will be composed of the organizations and individuals with similar interests, as defined by the sector titles. 

Each sector will have one seat at the planning table to be filled by the formal representative to the process or his or her alternate.

            Table Members and Alternates will be selected by the sectors they represent.  Each sector agrees to having established and being accountable to a sector advisory committee representing a spectrum of interests in the sector, both local and regional. For effeciency, each sector will seek to minimise the number of persons identified to particpate in working group or subcommittee work. By participating in the LRMP process each sector and its representatives agree to be bound by this Terms of Reference. Appendix 2 of the Terms of Reference will be used to document the membership of the Table (including alternates) and the sector they represent.  Each sector further agrees to provide the Process Manager with a list of declared membership in their sectoral advisory committee, so that the spokespersons for those member organizations may be identified for participation in the working group or subcommittee negotiations. The Process Manager will be responsible for maintaining and updating the Table Membership list.  Sector representatives will be responsible for notifying the Process Manager of any changes to Table, or sector advisory committee Membership.

8.3.2         Local, Provincial and Federal Government Representatives

Representatives from the following government agencies will participate as members of the Table:

Government representatives have the same full responsibilities as other table members as described above. Government representatives will:

·    Participate in consensus building in a manner respectful of other interests.

·         Provide the Table with information and advice on legislation, policy, programs, current initiatives; and

·    As future monitors and implementers of the plan, ensure that planning recommendations can realistically be implemented in a way that meets the interests of government.

·           The provincial government will particpate in the LRMP process in two different capacities:

Þ    Engaging in discussion and negotiation at the Table and subcommittee tables;

Þ    Providing process and technical support, including plan document modifications for the Table and chairing or facilitating working groups or subcommittees.

· Responsibilities of Table Members include the following:

ÞRepresenting their constituents’ interests in consensus negotiations.

ÞBeing  accountable to constituents;

ÞSharing information between constituents and the Table;

ÞDesignating an alternate for when they cannot attend meetings.

ÞStaying current with information and the progress of Table discussions (applies to alternate as well).

8.3.33         First Nations Representaives

For greater certainty, First Nations may participate at both a technical and political level as follows:

a)         Participation at the Table and its subcommittees and working groups;

b)         Formal government liaison with the Process Manager / Chair (MSRM);

c)         Technical liaison with the GTT;

d)                  Participation in the Coast Information Team;

e)                  Participation on a FN/ MSRM executive advisory board; and

c)         Review of the final plan as provided for in the Terms of Reference.

First Nation involvement will occur in accordance with Contribution Agreements developed between individual First Nation governments and the Province

In the event of an inconsistency between a Contribution Agreement and the Terms of Reference or any of the products produced by the LRMP, the Contribution Agreement shall take precedence, for the purposes of the relationship between the province and the First Nation that is a party to the Contribution Agreement,  unless both parties to the Contribution Agreement specifically agree.

9.      Process team

The Process Team is composed of the Process Manager, Process Chair, Government Technical Coordinator and process facilitator(s).  The primary role of the Process Team is to design and coordinate the LRMP process in a way that is open, fair to all interests, efficient and effective.  This includes:

·        Design and delivery of meeting agendas;

·        Development and monitoring of the process workplan;

·        Advice to the Table on corporate (as opposed to agency-specific) policy, in particular as it relates to fair and due process;

·        Organization and facilitation of Table meetings, working groups and subcommittee meetings between table meetings; and

·        Review and delivery of draft planning products.

In addition, individual members of the Process Team will be responsible for consultation with stakeholders and participants between Table meetings.  

The Process Team does not participate in the Table’s consensus decisions and does not carry the mandate for any specific agency.

10.   Broad Public Participation

The general public (i.e. that is the broader public not participating in the process) will be kept informed throughout the LRMP process through media reports, newsletters, sectoral outreach and open houses.  When the Table develops a recommended LRMP, an opportunity for public review and comment must be provided before the recommendations are finalized.

Table meetings will be open to the public with time allotted at the end of each meeting for comments from any members of the public who wish to speak as detailed in the ground rules Section 4.5.

11.   Provincial Legislation and Policy

The provincial government has the legal obligation to manage and conserve natural resources on provincial Crown land.  As such, all land use and resource management objectives and strategies must be consistent with provincial legislation and regulations. 

Numerous policies are relevant to land use planning.  Even though policies are not legally binding, they provide high-level guidance that provincial decision makers must consider.  In some cases, the LRMP Table may make recommendations, which differ from current policy.  In these cases, the Table must consider the local and provincial implications of adjusting the policy and provide a written rationale of why the current policy should be varied for the area.

12.   REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF CONSENSUS DOCUMENT

The Table will submit its final package of consensus recommendations to the provincial government through the Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management.  The Minister of Sustainable Resource Management has final approval responsibility for the North Coast LRMP.  Cabinet must make any decisions regarding Protected Areas. 

If unable to reach agreement on all aspects of land use recommendations, the Table will submit to the provincial government for resolution, a document that describes areas of agreement and unresolved issues.  An accompanying document will include a description of attempts to resolve those issues and the parties unable to reach agreement. All First Nations within the Plan Area, whether they have participated in the NCLRMP process or not, will be invited to review, comment upon and/or endorse any consensus LRMP.

Any approval or endorsement by a First Nation in respect of the plan does not prejudice that First Nation’s position on land and resource management issues at the treaty table or affect in any way its claims of rights and titles.

All Local Governments within or adjacent to the Plan Area, whether or not they have participated in the North Coast LRMP process shall be invited to review, comment upon and/or endorse any consensus North Coast LRMP as per the Union of B.C. Municipalities Protocol Agreement.

13.       IMPLEMENTATION

Once approved by the provincial Cabinet, the North Coast LRMP shall be implemented and monitored by appropriate provincial government agencies, coordinated by MSRM.

If considered desirable by the North Coast LRMP process, a monitoring committee may be established by MSRM to monitor plan implementation.

 

Approved By:

 

____________________________________                        Date:___________________

Honerable Stan Hagen

Minister of Sustainable Resource Management


appendix 1

N Coast LRMP Ground Rules

 

1.         CODE OF CONDUCT

Participants in the North Coast LRMP will:

·        Listen attentively;

·        Speak in a clear and concise manner;

·        Avoid use of acronyms and technical jargon;

·        Treat others with courtesy and respect;

·        Commit to resolving issues at the Table and agree not to circumvent or undermine the work of the Table;

·        Come to meetings prepared and ready to engage in productive discussion;

·        Share information related to issues being discussed;

·        State concerns openly and directly;

·        State views as interests rather than positions;

·        Seek to gain a better understanding of the perspectives of others;

·        Take individual responsibility to address the interests of others – even when they are perceived to be conflicting or competing with their own interests;

·        Negotiate in good faith;

·        Work cooperatively to achieve consensus on issues being addressed;

·        Respect decisions that have been reached and agreed to at the Table; and

·         Be accountable to members of their sector, other Table Members and the general public.

Table Members are collectively responsible for monitoring compliance with the code of conduct.  The Process Chair will provide leadership and support to Table Members.

 

2.         Decision making: building consensus

There are generally three types of agreements that are developed within LRMP processes:  process and procedural agreements, working agreements and agreement on the recommended LRMP.

 

2.1       Process and Procedural Agreements

·        Process procedural agreements include decisions on issues related to the day-to-day functions of the LRMP Table such as scheduling meeting dates, agenda management, and establishing Table priorities.

·        The Process Team is responsible for routine procedural matters such as process logistics and distribution of meeting materials. 

·         Consensus will be sought on significant process issues such as changes to Table ground rules and setting meeting dates.  In the interest of expediency, where consensus cannot be reached a two-thirds majority will be required to move forward on process and procedural issues.

 

2.2       Working Agreements

As the Table moves through the process, it will craft a series of “Working Agreements” that address specific topics or issues. 

Consensus will be sought on Working Agreements as they are developed.  Once the Table has accepted a Working Agreement, it will be integrated into a draft LRMP package.

When accepting a Working Agreement, it is understood that specific issues may/will be revisited once a draft package has been developed.  For example, final acceptance of zoning in one area may depend on the type of zoning that is developed elsewhere in the plan. 

When developing Working Agreements, a Table Member may choose to formally “stand aside” and allow others to reach consensus on a working agreement.  In such circumstances that Table Member will be asked to clarify their unmet interests in relation to the working agreement and is responsible for raising those interests later in negotiations if required.

2.3       Recommended LRMP

The Table will seek to reach consensus on the Recommended LRMP.  Where agreement cannot be reached, the procedures in Section 3 will apply.

2.4       Sector Ratification

Before consensus is reached on the final plan recommendations, it is understood that some participants will have to take the agreement back to their sectors for ratification.

2.5       Confirming Consensus

In order to determine if the Table has reached consensus the Process Chair will:

·        Repeat the agreement and verify that it is acceptable; and

·        Request that a written record of the agreement be recorded in the meeting summary.

 

3.         REACHING AGREEMENT

The table will use interest-based negotiation techniques to resolve issues.  If an issue cannot be resolved at the main Table, a small ad hoc working group may be formed to discuss the issue in more detail and bring its recommendations back to the main Table for endorsement. 

If no agreement is reached the Process Chair may recommend deferring further discussions until a specific date to allow more analysis or further negotiation.  In such cases, unmet interests related to the issue will be recorded for clarification and transparency when the discussion is reopened.

Should one or very few participants be in a position to prevent an agreement from being reached, they shall have the responsibility to either show why they are opposed and would be so differentially impacted that they must continue to prevent a consensus. If they are unable to demonstrate this impact, they will be expected to abstain from opposing, or lend support to the consensus. A consensus can include abstentions.

Where the resolution process fails to provide agreement on the topic or product, then the Table will be asked to ratify the areas of agreement and disagreement at the Table. The areas of disagreement, including alternative products, will be used by government at the end of the process to determine a final outcome.

If the Table ratifies a recommendation or package of recommendations at a meeting at which a sector or its representatives were not in attendence, then the recommendations will only be revisited at subsequent meetings if the Process Team agrees that circumstances surrounding lack of attendance warrant revisiting the recommendation(s).

4.         TABLE MEMBERSHIP

4.1       Maintaining a Balance of Representation

Should a gap in representation develop due to the departure of the Table Member who is a primary sector representative, the Process Team will:

·        Contact sector members to clarify the reasons for the departure and facilitate return or replacement of the Table Member;

·        If the primary Table Member or regular alternate for a sector cannot return to the Table, the Process Team will work with the sector to find an alternate solution.  One option will be to recommend to the Table that a new Table Member be appointed to fill the gap.  The recommendation to appoint a new Table Member will be made after considering the effect the gap would have on Table balance and credibility, as well as the effect that a new person might have on the progress of the Table.  In general, it is more difficult to bring a new member to the Table later in the process.

In the event that Table Members or Advisers are replaced, incoming individuals will be required to:

·        Abide by the Ground Rules;

·        Become familiar with past work completed by the Table;

·        Accept agreements previously made by the Table.

 

4.2       Applications for Membership During the Planning Process

Groups or individuals wishing to become involved in the LRMP after the Table has been established will be requested to work with the Process Team to identify a way to bring their interests to the Table through an existing Table Member. 

In the event that this approach is not satisfactory, the Process Manager will report to the Table to clarify issues and discuss available options.  Adding a new sector category requires an amendment of the Terms of Reference by the MSRM.

4.3       Alternates

Each primary Table Member will designate a regular alternate for times when he or she is unable to attend meetings.  Alternates are responsible for staying up to date with the discussions taking place at the table.  Alternates agree to abide by the Terms of Reference and Ground Rules and accept agreements previously made by the Table.  Alternates have full authority and responsibilities of Table Members while they are acting for that Member.

4.4       Adherence to Ground Rules and Terms of Reference

Where Table Members, Alternates or working group members are not able or willing to adhere to the Ground Rules, the Process Team will discuss the reasons for their inability to adhere with them.

If a Table Member, alternate or designated working group participant fails to attend meetings on a regular basis (more than two consecutive meetings) or consistently fails to abide by the Ground Rules, the Process Chair or Process Manager will advise that person of the concern.  If the situation continues the individual’s membership may be suspended.

4.5       General Public Participation, Observers and Invited Guests

·       All meetings of the Table shall be advertised in advance.

·       Members of the public may participate in meetings as observers.

·      The agenda for each meeting of the Table shall provide for 30 minutes, generally at the end of the meeting, where any member of the public may address the Table.

·       Prior notification is required if a member of the public wants to address the Table during the open period.  Time allotment is at the discretion of the Chair to those public members providing prior notificiation of intention to address the Table.  If more than one member of the public wishes to address the Table during this period, such time allotments will be provided in an equitable manner.

·       Prior to consensus on the LRMP document being formalised and submission of the document to government, local open houses will be arranged.  Where necessary, other local open houses will be arranged periodically to provide an opportunity for ongoing input.

·      Copies of meeting notices, meeting agendas and meeting summaries and other information provided to members shall be routinely placed on an internet Web site for the LRMP for distribution to members and an the public.

·      Observers will be given an opportunity to ask questions or make comments at designated times during each meeting.  Guests may be invited to make presentations to the Table on specific topics.  Requests for guest presentations will be made through the Process Manager.

5.         WORKING GROUPS/SUBCOMMITTEES

To expedite the completion of work identified by the Table, specific tasks, or discussions may be undertaken between Table meetings by working groups. 

·        Working groups/subcommittees will abide by this Terms of Reference and Groundrules.

·        Working groups/subcommittees will be assigned specific tasks and have defined membership.

·        Working groups/subcommittees should keep records of their discussions and achievements work by consensus and prepare recommendations and options to assist the Table to reach agreement on an issue or issues. 

·        All Working groups/subcommittees will report back to the Table and all Working groups/subcommittees recommendations require endorsement from the Table to be included in working agreements or the recommended LRMP.

·        On advice from the Table, the Process Manager may negotiate the provision of additional information services and advice from the CIT, with the CIT  Management Committee.

·        Any government staff appointed to facilitate a meeting cannot also represent governments views on an issue.

 

6.         MEETING PROCEDURES

Table meetings will be open to all members of the public.  However, the Table reserves the right to restrict access to anyone who deliberately disrupts the work of the Table.

6.1       Meeting Times and Locations

In scheduling meetings, the Table will:

·        Consider the work that must be completed

·        Start and finish meetings on time

·        Maintain a balance between LRMP time commitments and personal commitments;

·        Respect travel requirements of participants

·         Respect seasonal availability of participants

6.2       Meeting Summaries and Agendas

The Process Team will be responsible for preparing meeting summaries and agendas.  Meeting summaries will describe the issues discussed, key points raised during discussions, agreements reached, and any action items.  Where Table Members express significant dissent regarding a proposed agreement, that dissent will be recorded. 

At the close of the meetings, agenda items for the next meeting will be summarized including major topics of discussion and decisions expected at the next meeting.

The first item of business at each meeting shall be a review and approval of the draft agenda.

The second item of business at each meeting shall be a review and approval of the draft meeting summary prepared for the previous meeting.

The Process Manager will distribute meeting summaries and agendas within three weeks after Table meetings.  Distribution will be by e-mail, fax or mail to Table Members and Advisers.  Minutes will also be posted on the LRMP web site.

6.3       Participant Assistance

MSRM will cover the normal Table or subcommittee/working group meeting participation costs of a sector spokesperson, in accordance with government’s participant funding guidelines.  See Appendix 3 for further information. 

Attendance at a Table meeting by other members of a sector will occur at the expense of that sector. However, MSRM will cover the expenses for the participation of spokespersons from the member organisations of a sector where these organisations are required for the topics under negotiation in working groups or small groups.

MSRM will consider covering reasonable costs incurred by a sector related to organization and distribution of information, administration costs, and costs of in-sector meetings directly associated with its work on the LRMP.  Requests to cover such costs must be provided in advance to the Process Manager for prior approval.

MSRM reserves the right to refuse reimbursement of participant costs where the claimant has been absent from the meetings for which they are seeking reimbursement.  Where a dispute arises, the record of meeting attendance will be used by the Process Manager as the basis for a decision.

7.         MEDIA AND PUBLIC COMMUNICATION

The Process Manager will be responsible for formal LRMP Table communications including: information updates; open houses; and posting information on the World Wide Web.

Table Members will ensure that their representations to the media are respectful of others and are supportive of the process. Table Members will describe their points of view as interests rather than positions and will not discuss, criticize or discredit the views of other participants in the process. In all cases the media will be provided with the Process Managers contact information.

The Process Manager will be the government contact for all media inquiries.

Table meetings are open to the media on request but may be held in-camera if decided by the Table.
Appendix 2

N Coast LRMP Table Membership

 

Sector/ Gov’t/ Agency

Organization(s)

Table Member(s)

Alternate

Tourism

 

 

 

Environment/ Conservation

 

 

 

Labour

 

 

 

Major Forest Companies

 

 

 

Fisheries

 

 

 

Small Business Forestry

 

 

 

Mining/ Exploration

 

 

 

Community Econ. Development

 

 

 

Recreation

 

 

 

Local Government

 

 

 

Local Government

 

 

 

Nisga’a

 

 

 

Gitga’at

 

 

 

Kitselas

 

 

 

Kitsumkalum

 

 

 

Kitkatla

 

 

 

Metlakatla

 

 

 

Lax Kw’Allams

 

 

 

Haisla

 

 

 

Prov Gov’t

 

 

 

Federal Gov’t