Rule 009: Consultation on interim Indigenous honoraria

The Alberta Utilities Commission is committed to ensuring that Indigenous groups, whose constitutionally protected rights may be directly and adversely affected by proposed developments, have the opportunity to have their concerns heard, considered, understood and accommodated (if required). In support of these goals, the AUC has established a consultation process to assess Indigenous honoraria introduced in Rule 009: Rules on Intervener Costs on an interim basis.

On June 27, 2025, the AUC issued Bulletin 2025-09 announcing various updates to Rule 009. Among those updates were changes to Appendix A: Scale of costs to introduce, among other things, Indigenous honoraria to allow cost recovery for Elders and Knowledge Holders who provide expert evidence on traditional land use, environmental studies, or participate in oral Indigenous knowledge sessions. It also includes professional fees for consultation coordinators and staff who support Indigenous groups’ involvement in AUC proceedings.

These measures were introduced on an interim basis until the AUC established a formal consultation and engagement process. The specific amounts included in Rule 009 can be found in Section 6 of Appendix A: Scale of costs.

The Commission would like input on the interim Indigenous honoraria introduced in Rule 009, including the amounts provided and personnel or community members included. The Commission will have discussions with First Nations and Métis groups and there is also an opportunity to provide written feedback through a questionnaire on the Rule 009 Engage page, found on the AUC website. The deadline for written submissions is January 15, 2026.

First Nations or Métis groups interested in participating in the Rule 009 interim Indigenous honoraria consultation, in addition to or in lieu of the written opportunity, may contact Amanda Spyce at amanda.spyce@auc.ab.ca or Rob Watson at rob.watson@auc.ab.ca. Any questions related to this bulletin may also be directed to these contacts.