Natural resource development increasingly requires not just regulatory approval, but also public confidence, to move forward. From who participates to how decisions are made, projects are being challenged by affected communities, environmental groups and interested citizens across the country. While industries, regulators and policy makers are working to improve transparency, engagement and oversight, questions remain about how to build and maintain public trust in today’s highly polarized and rapidly changing landscape.

Partnering with Enbridge, ATCO Group, Cenovus Energy, Natural Resources Canada and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the Public Policy Forum launched an exploration of key issues and opportunities in establishing public confidence in resource development. Through one-on-one interviews and roundtable discussions with more than 80 leaders across sectors, we identified four critical factors in building public confidence in resource projects and the specific roles that key stakeholders need to play.

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