Message from the Chairperson
The CER is Canada’s federal energy regulator. It has been tasked to build an energy regulatory system that inspires trust and public confidence on the part of Canadians. The CER does this through robust communications, transparency, collaboration and inclusive engagement.
The Board of Director’s Annual Report for 2020-21 is an overview of the Regulator’s activities for the first full fiscal year of operation of the Canada Energy Regulator.
Setting the strategic direction for the organization is central to the role of the Board of Directors and I am very pleased that in 2020-21, the Board delivered its first Strategic Plan for the CER. The Plan was developed through consultation with the CER’s Commission, Indigenous Advisory Committee, as well as a variety of stakeholders.
The Plan establishes a clear path forward for the organization and is a road map of what Canadians can expect from the CER in the years ahead. It features bold Vision and Mission Statements as well as four Strategic Priorities that focus on improving how the CER delivers its mandate: Trust and Confidence, Reconciliation, Competitiveness and Data and Digital Innovation.
The Board of Directors takes great pride in the CER’s new Strategic Plan as it positions the CER on the right footing to fulfill our important role on behalf of Canadians.
Advancing reconciliation with First Nations, the Métis and the Inuit is a key component of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act (CER Act) and the CER continues to strive to meet that commitment.
For the first time ever, Canada’s federal energy regulator established an Indigenous Advisory Committee (IAC) in August 2020 to enhance the involvement of Indigenous peoples in the CER’s regulated infrastructure.
The IAC provides broad and strategic advice directly to the Board about how the CER can build a renewed relationship with the Indigenous peoples of Canada.
The IAC, along with the Board of Directors and Commission, are now all integral components of the Canada Energy Regulator’s governance structure.
I want to personally welcome and thank the Members of the IAC for their commitment to this important initiative. The journey has been a rewarding work in partnership for the entire Board of Directors.
It is hard to believe that most CER staff, Commissioners, IAC and Board Members worked from home for the entire 2020-21 fiscal year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the course of the year, we saw how the whole CER family rose to the challenge and responded with resilience and determination. The organization adapted, delivered on its mandate in a collaborative way and found new ways to connect with each other, Indigenous communities and stakeholders.
We learned how to navigate virtual meetings, town halls and hearings. Safety remained at the core of our mandate as we continued to deliver on our oversight processes, conducting field inspections, and ensuring compliance. While the pandemic has not been easy, it made us stronger as an organization.
The fiscal year 2020-21 also brought a dynamic new leader to the organization, as Gitane De Silva became CEO of the CER. Her passion and deep understanding of energy issues had an instant impact on the entire organization and the Board looks forward to working with Gitane for many years to come.
The Board also extend their thanks to Sandy Lapointe, who filled the role as Acting CEO for the first several months of the fiscal year; expertly leading the organization through the early days of the pandemic. Her rich experience and commitment to the organization continue to make a lasting legacy on the Canada Energy Regulator.
The 2020-21 fiscal year was a time of significant achievement and rising to the challenge at the CER. There was much accomplished and on behalf of the entire Board, I would like to thank the staff of the CER for all of their work over the year. The CER’s greatest strength is its people. Their professionalism, values and passion make the CER an effective and responsive regulator.
On behalf of my colleagues on the Board of Directors, I respectfully submit to the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources, and provide to Canadians the 2020-21 Annual Report of the Canada Energy Regulator.
The original version was signed by
Cassie J. Doyle,
Chairperson
Board of Directors of the Canada Energy Regulator