WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Building partnerships takes time, energy, good will and a great deal of research to find out what the industry proponent is bringing to the table in terms of experience, skill and reputation. This is a phase of the lifecycle that sees two or more parties trying to resolve competing interests.
WHAT IS PROPONENT ENGAGEMENT?
Proponent engagement encompasses a range of dialogue that culminate in decisions to move forward with an energy project. Industry proponents vary in when and how they engage with First Nations. It is not only a sign of respect for industry proponents to engage earlier in the process, but early engagement goes a long way in building trust, which is essential to any lasting partnership.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
- Who initiates engagement?
- What condition precipitated the engagement?
- Who is the proponent: internal or external to the community?
- What is the proponent’s reputation?
- What is their experience in delivering projects of this size?
- How clear and objective are criteria for negotiation?
- How can a win-win, collaborative model of negotiation be encouraged to ensure fairness?
- What is the ownership structure of the project?
- What are the deal’s financial terms?
- How is funding secured?
- How is risk allocated?
- What is the incentive agreement?
- What procedures are in place to negotiate with contractors and sub-contractors?