What is this engagement about?
The Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and the Ministry of Finance, in coordination with Ministry of Forests, are seeking to consult and co-operate with First Nations in B.C. on the co-development of a new fiscal framework, with an initial focus on forestry revenue sharing.
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Creating a New Fiscal Framework
In March 2022, the Province released the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Action Plan, which commits to co-developing with Indigenous Peoples a new distinctions-based fiscal framework that supports the operation of Indigenous governments, and new policy frameworks for resource revenue-sharing.
In April 2022, the B.C. Government announced an intention to co-develop a new forestry revenue sharing model with First Nations as a next step towards a new fiscal framework.
In November 2022, the Province released a Discussion paper to First Nations to help guide the co-development of a new fiscal framework and a new forestry revenue sharing model. The paper outlined the Province’s initial thoughts on what this could look like – and posed a number of questions for comment by First Nations. The Province invited First Nations to provide comment on the Discussion Paper from November 4, 2022 to January 31, 2023.
What We Heard paper
Following engagement with First Nations across the province, on April 12, 2023, the Province released a ‘What We Heard’ report which summarizes the perspectives shared by First Nations during this first phase of engagement on the co-development of a New Fiscal Framework.
The What We Heard report includes an overview of the Province’s engagement activities and a summary of the feedback raised by First Nations during government-to-government meetings, conferences, forums, and a virtual information session. The Province has sought to accurately reflect all of the feedback received, without interpreting or filtering the comments beyond summarizing them into key themes
First Nations are invited to provide written feedback on the What We Heard report via email to IRR.newfiscalframework@gov.bc.ca.
Virtual information sessions
On January 24, 2023, the Province held a virtual engagement session on the New Fiscal Framework and Discussion Paper. View the presentation from that session.
The next virtual engagement session will be held in summer 2023 on the New Fiscal Framework Options Paper. Check back here soon for more details.
You can also register to receive future updates via email by writing to IRR.newfiscalframework@gov.bc.ca.
*The virtual session originally planned for May 3rd, 2023, has been cancelled. Thank you to those who registered. You should have received more information directly on further opportunities for engagement on the What We Heard report.
In person opportunities
Discussion on the New Fiscal Framework, specifically a new forestry revenue sharing model, is expected to be covered at the First Nations Forestry Council provincial forum at the University of British Columbia on June 28th and 29th. Find registration information.
Written submissions
First Nations and Indigenous organizations in British Columbia are invited to make written submissions via email to IRR.newfiscalframework@gov.bc.ca. Please read the written submission guidelines.
Options paper
The Province is currently developing an options paper, which will contain a series of preliminary options for a new forestry revenue sharing model, as well as co-developed principles for a new fiscal framework, based on the feedback summarized in the What We Heard report. The Province will undertake further engagement with First Nations, the public and industry on the options paper. Check back here for more information soon.
Additional inquiries can be directed to IRR.newfiscalframework@gov.bc.ca.
Commitment to Anti-Racism
The Government of B.C. is committed to taking action against racism and to working to ensure this engagement process is anti-racist and safeguards human rights. Disrespectful and racist comments will not be accepted or considered and will be removed from the engagement record. Please ensure comments are constructive and focused for this engagement.
Engagement timeline
Launch of engagement – Discussion Paper sent to First Nations
Fall 2022
Virtual engagement session – Discussion paper
January 24, 2023
Feedback on Discussion paper
November 4, 2022 to January 31, 2023 at 4:00pm
“What We Heard” paper sent to First Nations
April 12, 2023
Initial options paper co-developed with First Nations, and shared with the public and key stakeholders for input
Spring 2023
Virtual engagement session – Options paper
Summer 2023
Co-development of final options
Summer 2023
Implementation of a new forestry revenue sharing model
2024