Notification for Indigenous peoples – Discussion Paper

Subject: Discussion Paper for review of pipeline regulations

Date: January 12, 2022

Greetings,

We are writing to let you know about a Discussion Paper on the Onshore Pipeline Regulations (OPR), and we would like to invite your input. The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) launched the OPR Review in December 2021 with an initial notification and a request to let us know how you would like to be engaged. We are now sharing this Discussion Paper (online and attached) with questions for your input by 15 April 2022. We want to hear from you; your participation will be an important contribution for the review of this regulation.

Funding

With the help of the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, funding is available for Indigenous peoples of Canada to review the Discussion Paper and develop input for submission to the CER. The notice of funding provides information on the funding process and how to apply. You can apply for funding online or you can email us at opr-rpt@cer-rec.gc.ca. You are encouraged to submit your application by 28 January 2022. Those who have submitted an application for funding will soon be contacted by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada.

Update – March 1, 2022 – Deadline has passed; please contact the CER about availability of funding prior to applying.

Engagement opportunities

Virtual sessions will be offered to provide you with an opportunity to have additional context for the Discussion Paper, and to be able to ask questions to help inform your input. Please see details below for dates and how to register.

Please let us know how you would like to be engaged throughout the OPR Review process, and what options work for you, by contacting us at: opr-rpt@cer-rec.gc.ca.

What is the OPR Review?

The OPR is the main regulation we use to oversee pipelines in Canada. The CER’s objective for this review is to deliver a regulation that supports the highest level of safety, security and environmental protection, advances Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, addresses transparency and inclusive participation, provides for predictable and timely oversight, and encourages innovation. We are seeking input from Indigenous peoples to build a modern regulation that clearly shows how the CER and its regulated companies will work alongside Indigenous peoples and communities through the lifecycle of the pipelines we regulate.

The OPR Review builds on important work that has been done with Indigenous peoples and with groups such as the Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committees. The Discussion Paper reflects concerns raised by Indigenous peoples related to pipelines regulated by the CER over the years, with sections on:

• Regulated companies working differently with Indigenous peoples, and advancing Reconciliation.
• Protection of heritage resources, sites of Indigenous significance, and traditional land and resource use, throughout the lifecycle of a pipeline.
• Use of Indigenous knowledge in decision-making throughout the lifecycle of a pipeline.
• Involvement of Indigenous peoples in pipeline oversight, such as through Indigenous Monitors.
• Inclusion of Indigenous peoples in company planning for operations and maintenance activities, and in emergency and response planning and exercises.
• Proactive company communication and engagement on planning and implementing activities related to pipeline construction, operations and maintenance, and emergency management processes.

Virtual sessions

The following virtual session are being offered. Please let us know if you would like to participate by sending us an email at opr-rpt@cer-rec.gc.ca, with the subject line “Virtual Session” and the date that works for you. Information about the sessions will also be available on the Hearings, Information Sessions and Conferences webpage.

• 8 February 2022: 11:00am to 12:30pm (MST) (French); 1:30pm to 3:00pm (MST) (English)
• 22 February 2022: 10:30am to 12:00pm (MST) (English)
• 8 March 2022: 10:30am to 12:00pm (MST) (English)
• 29 March 2022: 1:30pm to 3:00pm (MST) (English)

Additional French language virtual sessions can be accommodated if requested.

Once again, your participation is very important to us and we look forward to hearing from you and receiving your input for the OPR Review.

Date modified:

2022-06-28