At Great Bear Carbon, we are firmly dedicated to promoting Indigenous leadership in conservation and carbon offset projects. Coastal First Nations have long adhered to principles of sustainability and responsible resource management, and we are privileged to collaborate with them in promoting these values. With the shift from the CleanBC Industrial Incentive Program (CIIP) to British Columbia’s new Output-Based Pricing System (OBPS) starting April 1, 2024, industries have a renewed chance to fulfill their carbon compliance obligations while supporting Indigenous-led climate initiatives. As an active participant in this evolving market, Great Bear Carbon ensures that our offset projects are in harmony with ecological and cultural sustainability, contributing to Reconciliation and Indigenous economic self-determination.
The OBPS replaces the CIIP, shifting the compliance model from a rebate-based system to an intensity-based framework. Under the previous CIIP system, companies paid the carbon tax upfront and were refunded based on their emissions performance relative to a world-leading benchmark. The OBPS, however, determines compliance costs based on emissions levels and the use of earned credits.
This system establishes a structured compliance framework requiring companies that exceed their emission limits to either purchase offset credits, submit earned credits, or make direct payments according to the OBPS Compliance Charge. The compliance charge was set at CA$80 per tonne of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e) on April 1, 2024. It is planned to increase by CA$15 per tonne annually, reaching CA$170 per tonne by 2030. This change has led to a higher demand for legitimate and verifiable carbon offsets, and Great Bear Carbon is well-positioned to provide these essential assets through Indigenous-led initiatives.
Great Bear Carbon is an active participant in British Columbia’s carbon market, providing verified carbon offsets that industries can use to meet their compliance obligations under OBPS. Our role is to facilitate and amplify Indigenous-led stewardship through rigorously approved protocols that ensure environmental integrity and economic benefits for Indigenous communities.
We operate under the following approved BC protocol:
Forest Carbon Offset Protocol (FCOP) – This protocol enables the generation of high-integrity carbon offsets through sustainable forest management and conservation efforts. It mandates engagement with First Nations to ensure Indigenous communities play a meaningful role in project development, aligning economic opportunities with ecological stewardship. FCOP projects support both emissions reductions and the protection of culturally and ecologically significant forested lands.
With the new OBPS framework, industries have multiple compliance pathways, including:
Earning credits by staying below emission thresholds and banking them for future use.
Purchasing offset credits from recognized Indigenous-led projects to balance excess emissions.
Making direct payments at the government-mandated rate for emissions above the limit.
Great Bear Carbon’s offsets provide an alternative to direct payments, offering cost-effective compliance solutions while simultaneously advancing Indigenous stewardship, Reconciliation, and long-term climate resilience. These projects create economic opportunities for Indigenous communities while ensuring the protection of ecologically significant lands.
The OBPS is designed to create a functioning carbon market in British Columbia, shaped by regulatory tightening, emission benchmarks, and market confidence. The demand for Indigenous-led offsets continues to grow as companies seek to align with Reconciliation efforts, ecological responsibility, and Indigenous rights.
Great Bear Carbon is committed to fostering a carbon market where offset projects are Indigenous-led, ensuring that benefits flow directly to communities. Our role is to cultivate strong partnerships that provide compliance benefits while upholding Indigenous governance and priorities in climate action.
As industries navigate British Columbia’s evolving carbon pricing landscape, the need for high-quality, Indigenous-led carbon offsets has never been greater. Great Bear Carbon is proud to be a trusted partner, helping companies meet their compliance requirements while respecting Indigenous stewardship, advancing Reconciliation, and strengthening climate action.
If your organization seeks affordable and credible carbon offsets within the OBPS, we encourage you to contact us today to discover purchasing options that back Indigenous-led climate initiatives and Reconciliation.
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