The Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) is an arms-length agency of the Government of Alberta. It was established in 1991 under the Natural Resources Conservation Board Act (NRCBA) to determine the public interest of proposed natural resource projects. In 2002 it was given additional responsibility for regulating Alberta’s confined feeding operations under the Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA).
Vision: to be a respected decision-maker, exemplifying integrity and foresight in the best interests of Alberta.
Mission: as a quasi-judicial and regulatory agency, the NRCB makes impartial and knowledge-based decisions across two distinct mandates:
The NRCB reports to the Minister of Environment and Protected Areas. Its financial statements are reported in the ministry annual report.
The NRCB works closely with municipal, provincial, and federal regulators. Memorandums of understanding with Alberta Environment and Protected Areas and Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation address NRCB responsibilities under AOPA, the management of surface water issues at confined feeding operations, and responsibilities for the disposal of dead livestock.
The NRCB also consults regularly with the Policy Advisory Group, a multi-stakeholder advisory body for policy issues related to confined feeding operations. Accountability sessions with Policy Advisory Group members are held every few years to assess the effectiveness of the NRCB’s delivery of its AOPA mandate.
The NRCB Code of Conduct is an expression of the NRCB’s intent to uphold the highest ethical standards so that public trust and confidence in the integrity, objectivity, and impartiality of the NRCB are preserved and enhanced. The document has been approved by the Ethics Commissioner.
This document lists procedures for managing inquiries and requests for advice and disclosures under the Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act (PIDA). The document has been approved by the Public Interest Commissioner.
In keeping with Government of Alberta policy and the Public Sector Compensation Transparency Act, the NRCB discloses expenses of the NRCB chair, Board members, and chief executive officer, and all remuneration, including severance and pension contributions, for its Board members and staff whose earnings were more than the compensation threshold.
The NRCB is a public body under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP). To make a request for access to information, please e-mail foipp@nrcb.ca
