“Consultation does not land on an empty desk.”
In the April edition of CALEP’s “The Negotiator”, Chris Switzer, of our Indigenous Relations team, reminds us that capacity funding reflects a basic reality: meaningful consultation requires capacity.
For a Nation, receiving a notification package doesn’t mean it lands on an empty desk. It enters an environment of finite resources, competing priorities, and a massive workload that the outside world rarely sees.
Chris makes a powerful case for why we need to move past arbitrary timelines. When we provide the resources for technical reviews and community engagement up front, the process shifts from being reactive to being truly constructive. It’s about respect for the time and expertise required to respond thoughtfully.
At AiM, we’re big believers in the perspective Chris shares. Meaningful participation shouldn’t be a hurdle to clear; it’s the foundation for better projects and stronger relationships.
