MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON
PUBLIC SAFETY AND SOUR GAS

31 March 2000
9:00am to 3:30pm
Training Room
Energy Resources Building

ATTENDEES

MINUTES

1. Opening Comments

   The meeting was opened and members welcomed by Chairman, Gerry DeSorcy. Arden Berg asked that he be given the opportunity to provide the group with additional information regarding the EUB’s decision-making process. This item was added to the agenda.

2. Minutes of 24 March Meeting

   Minutes of the 24 March meeting were approved with one amendment. Item #4 was amended by removing the last sentence of the first paragraph as this statement was seen to be subjective.

3. Web Site and Media Release
   • Web Site Demo – Liz Johnson and Guy Schnitzler provided a demonstration of the committee web site. Registration of the web site went through with the address publicsafetyandsourgas.org. It was agreed that www will be added so that the site can be accessed with either address.

     The site is now live and the committee Terms of Reference and Minutes of the first 3 meetings have been posted. The committee now needs to address how to manage information on the site as people will now be looking for more information and ways to provide input. It was suggested that a web site sub-committee may be the best way to manage. It was agreed that the EUB will post documents on the web site but the committee will manage the site. How this will be done will be considered later. The committee also needs to address the structure of the site which can be adjusted as the committee progresses.

   Action Item: The committee was asked to provide input into the logo design and structure of the site. The committee agreed on a logo later in the meeting. The design was forwarded to Guy.

   • Media Release – Greg Gilbertson presented the sub-committee’s revised version of a draft news release for review. Several additional changes were discussed including a discussion regarding the independence of the Advisory Committee but that it still operates within the mandate given to it by the EUB. It was agreed that the term “independent” would not be used in the news release.

     Committee members expressed a desire to get the news release out quickly as several members have already been approached by others with questions about how they can participate. It was agreed that the news release will be released on committee letterhead and will include a Committee telephone number, fax number and e-mail address. A discussion took place regarding the need to have independent numbers and addresses for the committee. It was also suggested that the Committee should have business cards to provide to the public throughout the process.

   Action Item: Greg will re-draft the news release to reflect the discussion which took place and also to be consistent with the Committee Terms of Reference. Copies of the final release will be provided to the Committee.

   Action Item: EUB staff will arrange a telephone number, fax number, e-mail address, mailing address and business cards for the committee. The telephone number and fax number will be available toll-free throughout the province.

4. Overview of EUB Processes & Requirements, and Identification of Issues

   This item was deferred to a future meeting.

5. Analysis of ’94 Process and Recommendations

   This item was deferred to a future meeting.

6. &7. Discussion of Committee Process and Timelines and Public Consultation Process

   A discussion of the draft proposed process and schedule which was circulated to members took place. It was agreed that the two main areas which need to be addressed within the next several weeks are the identification of issues and the public consultation process. Committee members expressed the need to conduct public consultation soon and it was suggested that detailed preparation should take place in April. It was decided that smaller working groups could develop proposed processes, however the entire committee needs to be involved in making decisions on processes to be used.

   The following is a summary of the discussion of public consultation which took place:

   What is the purpose of consulting with the public?

   • Increased public confidence
   • Learning opportunity for public and committee
   • Listening and assurance that action will be taken
   • Identify issues and solutions

   Who are we targeting?

   • People who are or could be directly impacted by sour gas development
   • Existing groups concerned about sour gas
   • Municipalities
   • Elected officials
   • Industry associations
   • Community associations
   • Past interveners
   • Medical community
   • Industry
   • Industry employees
   • Mineral owners
   • First Nations

   How do we consult?

   • Contact those who have filed complaints with the EUB or inquired about sour gas development in the past
   • Advertise upcoming meetings and requests for input in local newspapers
   • Send letter to MLA’s and MP’s requesting names of those who have expressed concerns
   • Contact those known to committee members for input/involvement
   • Public meetings throughout province
   • Focus group sessions
   • Web page
   • Questionnaire
   • Toll-free telephone number
   • Structured sessions
   • Facilitated sessions to focus on issues
   • Identify issues of committee members prior to consulting
   • Provide information to participants in advance
   • Group presentations

   When do we consult?

   • At convenience of those being consulted – time of day, day of week, season
   • Committee must be prepared first
   • Provide adequate notice and time

   Where do we consult?

   • Several regions throughout province
   • Central points in regions
   • Not on regulator territory
   • Locations convenient to public
   • Traditional, known hot spots

   How do we capture results?

   • Professional assistance – required immediately?
   • Recorder
   • Confirm views captured accurately at end of session by summarizing
   • Clarify understanding
   • Have participants agree on priorities at meeting
   • Recognize there will be many sources of input – need to combine

   What do we do with results?

   • Two categories – develop list of issues and test for validity, and suggested solutions considered under respective issues
   • Understand information received
   • Categorize
   • Plan report format
   • Prioritize
   • Address
   • Report back
   • Identify solutions and what works

   Communications policy – issues for sub-group to consider in developing draft

   • What outside expertise may be required for both public consultation and communication?
   • What are the committee’s broader communication needs?
   • How will committee manage information received – website, meetings, mail, etc.

   Action Item: Members are to provide Marilyn with lists of issues by 11 April. Gerry and Marilyn will compile and synthesize the information and bring to the meeting on 14 April for discussion.

   Action Item: The sub-group; Maureen, Paul, Tim, Frank, Judith, Brian and Eileen, are to develop a draft public consultation plan including advice on other aspects of communication and report to the committee at the 14 April meeting.

7. Included with previous item
   
   
8. Proposed Agenda for 14 April

   Two thirds of the meeting will be spent discussing the list of issues and the remaining third will be spent discussing the draft public consultation and communication processes.

9. Other Matters

   Arden provided further information to the group regarding the EUB’s decision making process.

10. Next Meeting

    14 April, West Hall, EUB offices.