Sponsored Sponsored content SPONSORED: PETRONAS Canada reaches a Restorative Justice agreement with Halfway River First Nation

In November 2021, PETRONAS Energy Canada Ltd. (PETRONAS Canada)’s construction contractor damaged a beaver dam in the Gundy area of Halfway River First Nation (HRFN) and Treaty 8 territory, outside a right of way. This incident was notified immediately to HRFN staff and the British Columbia Energy Regulator (BCER).

PETRONAS Canada acknowledges its responsibility in this highly regrettable incident. The company affirms that it will abide by the agreement reached during the Community Environmental Justice Forum on April 19, 2023. The forum led to open and fair discussions, which saw the parties present sharing their perspectives on matters relating to environmental management, including priorities, challenges and longer-term goals in minimizing environmental impacts from industrial activities. The company sincerely apologizes to the HRFN community.

Pursuant to the agreement reached at the forum, and in furtherance of PETRONAS Canada’s commitment to enhancing environmental stewardship, the company will be collaborating with the BCER on an industry bulletin that will provide learnings in an effort to avoid a similar event with other operators in the region. The company will also contribute support to ongoing moose or caribou studies with the University of Northern BC, work towards a wildlife management plan and restore two identified Gundy Creek crossings.

PETRONAS Canada would like to thank HRFN, the BCER and the Conservation Officer Service for enabling a collaborative process to understanding the incident and creating a path forward.