The BCUC office is located in Vancouver, BC.

This is within the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. This region is also home to a diverse representation of Indigenous Peoples from across BC and Canada.

Participate in BCUC Activities

By participating in a BCUC process, Indigenous individuals and organizations can share their unique perspectives and help inform BCUC recommendations and decisions. Get involved by:

Funding Pilot Program

Indigenous Intervener Capacity Funding (IICF) supports Indigenous governments and organizations to participate as interveners in BCUC proceedings. The program provides up to $10,000 per proceeding to eligible Indigenous interveners to assist with upfront costs related to their participation. IICF was initially launched as a pilot program in 2023. Participant feedback collected during this pilot period was used to inform the current program design.

For more information please see the IICF Program Guidelines.

The BCUC and Reconciliation

Regulating public utilities has an impact on all Indigenous people living in BC. As such, the BCUC has the opportunity to support reconciliation through the work that we do each day, and we strive to do just that. This is an ongoing process, and we will continue to seek out new and innovative ways to improve inclusivity and accessibility. We welcome your feedback and input!

Below are some of the recent initiatives that we have undertaken:

2025

  • The BCUC’s Indigenous Intervener Capacity Fund is made a permanent program. Feedback and recommendations collected from First Nations that participated in the 2023 pilot program indicate a high interest for this program which encourages participation and engagement of First Nations with the BCUC.

2024

  • Updated our Reconciliation Policy to better reflect the feedback we received from Indigenous groups, and to highlight our commitment to advancing the United Nations on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
  • Introduced a new Indigenous Internship position.
  • In response to input from Indigenous groups, introduced a new Indigenous Intervener Capacity Fund to support Indigenous participation in BCUC proceedings.

2023

  • Undertook a review of all policies and procedures to improve accessibility in the context of reconciliation. The review was based on input from Indigenous groups that have participation in BCUC processes.

2022

  • Hired a Lead for Indigenous Relations.
  • Undertook an Indigenous Participation Survey, which sought input on how to make BCUC processes more inclusive and accessible.
  • Initiated Indigenous awareness training for all Commissioners and staff.

2020

BCUC Jurisdiction and Crown Consultation

The BCUC is an independent agency of the provincial government, and it does not have the jurisdiction to engage in consultation or to discharge the Crown’s duty to consult related to its decisions or applications made by public utilities.

However, the BCUC does have the jurisdiction to consider the adequacy of Crown consultation in relation to applications from regulated entities. The BC government may delegate aspects of consultation related to a project application from a regulated entity. Project applications may include constructing, purchasing, or operating utility infrastructure. The application should describe the consultation that has been undertaken, as outlined in the BCUC’s Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity Application Guidelines.

If a regulated entity views that consultation with First Nations is not required for its application, it must provide supporting reasons to the BCUC. Note: BC Hydro is required to provide additional consultation information as outlined in the BCUC First Nations Information Filing Guidelines for Crown Utilities.

Contact Us

If you have questions, wish to offer feedback, or would like to discuss scheduling an information session, please contact Jeremy Cairns Lead for Indigenous Relations, at Indigenous.Relations@bcuc.com.