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OALA Newsletter Updates
April 1, 2025
December 11, 2024
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) Call for Proposals
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is launching a call for proposals seeking applications from organizations to deliver Science and Technology Internship Program (STIP) – Green Jobs projects over a three-year period (2025-28), beginning in fiscal year 2025-26. To be eligible for funding in fiscal years 2026-27 and 2027-28, Initial Recipients must be qualified through the 2025-26 Call for Proposals.
Eligible applicants include:
- Not-for-profit organizations (including voluntary organizations and foundations);
- Indigenous organizations (including Band Councils, Tribal Councils, and self-government entities);
- Provincial and territorial governments, institutions, agencies, and Crown Corporations;
- Municipal governments;
- Public health, educational and cultural organizations; or,
- For-profit organizations, provided that the nature and intent of the activity is non-commercial, not intended to generate profit, and supports program priorities and objectives.
Applicants must:
- Have knowledge of the natural resources sector. This includes sectors pertaining to mines, minerals, forests and forestry, earth sciences and energy, including energy developed from renewable resources such as water, solar, wind and forest resources;
- Be recognized as professional organizations in their respective fields by having the governance structure, staff, and networks that make them good candidates to implement the project; and,
- Are legal entities validly incorporated or registered in Canada.
Please visit the Call for Proposal webpage for more detailed information and how to apply. The deadline to submit a proposal is January 15, 2025, at 23:59 Pacific Time.
Thank you,
The Sustainable Jobs Team
On behalf of the Science and Technology Internship Program (STIP) – Green Jobs Team
STIP – Green Jobs: STIP-PSST@NRCan-RNCan.gc.ca
December 9, 2024
Participant Recruitment for a Research Study - Toronto Metropolitan University
Click here for more information.
December 5, 2024
Redesign of the Additions to Reserve Policy - Interim Changes
Click here to see the recent changes made by Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) to improve the Additions to Reserve (ATR) process for First Nations who have submitted, or will be submitting Additions to Reserve proposals.
A document with frequently asked questions and answers on the interim changes can also be found here.
November 8, 2024
Modernization of the Canada Lands Surveys Act (NRCan)
Modernization of the Canada Lands Surveys Act Phase 1: Indigenous Engagement Survey
The Surveyor General Branch at Natural Resources Canada is working with Indigenous Peoples, governments, and organizations to update the Canada Lands Surveys Act.
The primary goals of modernizing the Act are to:
- recognize Indigenous self-governance
- replace outdated colonial terminology and concepts
- incorporate approval processes and service provisions for Indigenous governments
The Surveyor General Branch wants to invite members to participate in their engagement survey and provide feedback on how you would like to be engaged on this initiative.
Link to the description of the engagement process: Modernization of the Canada Lands Surveys Act
Link to the survey: Tell us how you want to be engaged on modernizing the Canada Lands Surveys Act
If you would like to obtain more information on this engagement initiative, please contact the Surveyor General Branch by email at sgb-dag@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.
November 5, 2024
2025-2026 Call for Proposals – On-Reserve Survey Project
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) has put out a callout to better understand the scope of survey needs of First Nations. Through this Call for Proposals you are invited to provide a list of any land surveys on-reserve that you anticipate will be required in the coming year to support your community’s land management and economic development objectives.
The types of survey projects which may be submitted include:
- Exterior boundary investigations and/or surveys required to confirm possible encroachments, lost survey posts, or un-surveyed exterior boundaries.
- Surveys required for Permits and Designations
- Land use area mapping; and
- Surveys required for lands to be set aside for the general welfare of the Band under Sec. 18(2) of the Indian Act. Although not mandatory, these surveys form part of a proper land management system and aid in any future land use planning (i.e., surveys of schools, roads, etc.)
Using the information you provide in response to this call-out and through follow-up communication, the Ontario Region Lands Operations team at Indigenous Services Canada will work with the Surveyor General Branch (SGB) and the National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association (NALMA) Survey Unit to determine the scope of work and budget requirements, and which survey projects can be completed in 2025-2026.
The Surveyor General Branch is a part of the federal department of Natural Resources Canada. Their expertise is rooted in experience working collaboratively with First Nations in Ontario to address land management needs and includes providing advice and technical services related to land surveys, mapping, interpretation of current and historical survey plans/reports, and boundary issues or concerns.
If you would like to discuss your land management needs and/or would like their support as you prepare your submission, please contact them at sgbon-dagon@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca or at (416) 452-2143.
The NALMA Survey Unit delivers Indigenous Services Canada’s Grants and Contributions Survey Program specifically for First Nations throughout Canada (with the exception of Operational First Nations Land Management Act (FNLMA) Bands). They contract out land surveys to support the priorities of First Nations, provide ongoing communication to ensure project readiness and to address issues during all phases of the project.
For NALMA Survey project enquiries please contact Graeme Sandy, Survey Project Manager, at gsandy@nalma.ca or at (519) 757-6881.
Documents:
Survey Project Request Form
2025-2026 On-Reserve Survey Call-Out Process – ISC
Please submit the completed form, supporting documents and any questions you may have via email to onlandsoperations-gestiondesterreson@sac-isc-gc.ca no later than February 28, 2025
October 22, 2024
Publication of version 1.1 of the Improved Forest Management on Private Land federal offset protocol / Publication de la version 1.1 du protocole fédéral de crédits compensatoires Amélioration de l’aménagement forestier sur les terres privées
Environment and Climate Change Canada has published version 1.1 of the Improved Forest Management on Private Land federal offset protocol for use under Canada’s Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Offset Credit System.
Summary of changes:
- The requirement for the timing of initiation of the initial forest carbon inventory was revised while still ensuring there is no crediting of GHG reductions achieved before the crediting period start date.
- The approach to quantify sampling uncertainty was updated to align with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Good Practice Guidance for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories.
- Some requirements were added or clarified for records used to determine the project-specific baseline scenario.
The protocol can be found in the Compendium of Federal Offset Protocols.
Offsets & Emissions Trading Section
Carbon Markets Bureau / Environmental Protection Branch
Environment and Climate Change Canada / Government of Canada
creditscompensatoires-offsets@ec.gc.ca
August 28, 2024
Additions-to-Reserve Pilot Project
OALA is working with Urban Systems to develop a suite of technical guides, resources and other materials to guide OALA members through the Additions-to-Reserve (ATR) process. We want to understand the challenges and experiences OALA Members have had with the ATR process to ensure the resources we develop meet the needs of Land Managers and First Nations. Complete the online survey, participate in an interview, or use the online suggestion board to share what topics would be most valuable to include in the resources.
Timeline
These resources and supports will be developed and rolled out over two phases in 2024 and 2025.
Phase 1: Developing ATR Resources (Fall 2024)
In summer and fall 2024, a series of tools and resources for different ATR topics will be developed to guide OALA members in undertaking ATR proposals and navigating the ATR process. The OALA will also establish an ATR Unit by hiring an ATR Coordinator to provide ongoing support for OALA members.
Phase 2: ATR Pilot Project (2025)
In Phase 2, a group of OALA members selected through an Expression of Interest will receive ongoing support in initiating and/or advancing an ATR application. The selected members will receive technical support from Urban Systems and the ATR Coordinator in areas such as:
- Land selection, environmental reviews, planning and technical analysis of lands
- ATR application support and project management of ATR applications
- Technical support in completing ATR requirements (e.g. surveys, ESAs, third-party interests, etc.)
- Internal and external communications and consultation
- Urban reserves and municipal servicing agreements land selection
More details on the pilot project and how to submit an Expression of Interest will be shared in 2025.
Get Involved
We want to understand the experiences, interests, needs, and priorities of OALA members related to ATR to ensure the resources are helpful tools for members. We will be engaging OALA members in various ways to gather input and feedback that will help shape the development of the resources and materials.
Help us develop tools that answer your questions or guide you through the challenges you have faced in the ATR process:
- Take the online survey: OALA Member ATR Survey (surveymonkey.ca)
- Schedule a 30-minute virtual meeting or phone call with the project team: https://calendly.com/dpenner-urbansystems/30min
- Add a comment to the online suggestion board: OALA ATR Pilot Project MURAL
- Visit us at the OALA Annual General Meeting on September 17 to 19, 2024
Contact
For more information about the ATR Pilot Project, contact:
Jess Pickett, OALA Executive Director
ed@oala-on.ca
519-857-9228
Dan Penner, Consultant Project Lead
dpenner@urbansystems.ca
204-688-8207
May 21, 2024
Notice of Opportunity – Director to the Canada Lands Company Limited’s Board of Directors
The Government of Canada has launched an open selection process to appoint a director to the Board of Directors of Canada Lands Company Limited and we want to ensure that members of your community/professional networks, stakeholders and you are aware of this opportunity. We encourage you to share the information and the notice of opportunity with those whom you feel may be suited for this position.
Canada Lands Company Limited is a federal Crown corporation with three subsidiaries: 1) Canada Lands Company CLC Limited manages, redevelops and sells federal lands on behalf of the Government of Canada to ensure that optimal financial and community value is realized from these assets and manages the CN Tower, 2) the Old Port of Montreal Corporation Inc. owns the Old Port of Montréal and the Montréal Science Centre and 3) Parc Downsview Park Inc. owns Downsview Park (a former military base) in Toronto and sells the surrounding property for housing and commercial purposes. Through community consultation and partnering with the private sector, Canada Lands Company Limited and its employees apply real estate expertise and creative property solutions to deliver lasting value for Canadians.
For a more complete description of the experience, knowledge and abilities required in this position and to apply online, please visit the Governor in Council Appointments Website. Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.
Surveying of First Nation Lands Managed Under a Land Code
Click link for more information: Surveying of First Nation Lands managed under a Land Code Introduction (canada.ca)
For more information click here: https://wwf.ca/
To print out funding application, click here, CORDA Funding
For more information, visit their website! www.indigenousclimatemonitoring.ca
The forum and the conference brought together Indigenous communities, thought leaders and relevant organizations from across Canada. There were over 200 participants who attended each of these events and heard from a talented group of presenters.
These events provided opportunities for stakeholders, practitioners and experts to discuss relevant issues and practices surrounding cumulative effects. These videos are an engaging way to learn from experts in the field and see how communities are adapting to the cumulative impacts of human activities across environmental, cultural, social and health dimensions.
