2021–22 Annual Report of the Canada Energy Regulator – CER Pandemic Response
The COVID-19 pandemic continued to impact the world in fiscal 2021–22.
For the CER, this meant that most of its staff continued to work from their homes. When the COVID-19 cases lowered and restrictions started to lift, some staff returned to the office. However, following multiple pandemic waves, almost all staff returned to working from home. A core group of staff requiring access to equipment and facilities continued to work from the office following strict protocols and we are so appreciative of their efforts and commitment. The CER follows federal guidance as a federally-regulated workplace, limiting in-person meetings and travel to protect staff, Indigenous peoples, and the public.
Even with the pandemic’s uncertainty, CER staff continued to get the job done, reviewing applications, engaging with Indigenous peoples and stakeholders, and compiling, analyzing, and publishing energy trends. Oversight of energy projects and existing infrastructure evolved and adapted as required. Using learnings from the previous pandemic year, CER staff established new procedures for how to safely conduct inspections, compliance verification activities, and emergency response activities. These measures helped ensure the public, and workers were protected from the hazard of COVID-19. The CER also implemented a vaccination policy for its staff and developed a Vaccination Attestation Tracking System where employees could verify their vaccination status (in accordance with direction from the Government of Canada). The CER also verified that regulated companies followed strict COVID-19 protocols to manage risks to workers and nearby communities. As the CER navigated this second year in the pandemic, all actions were carried out without compromising safety or environmental protection.
The CER is aware that Indigenous communities in Canada face increased challenges and risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and took extra measures to work with Indigenous leaders and communities in light of pandemic-related concerns. The CER continued to meet virtually with Indigenous communities. The CER also used communication methods that worked for Indigenous communities and proved flexible for the circumstances to meaningfully consult Indigenous communities during this time.
As the world starts to emerge from the pandemic, the CER has prepared to pilot a hybrid workplace model, harnessing some of the individual and collective lessons learned over the past two years. Whatever the future of work looks like, Canadians can be assured that the CER will never compromise safety and the excellence of its services to the public, regulated companies, and Indigenous communities.
CER Response to 2021 British Columbia Floods
On 14 November 2021, extreme weather impacted the Lower Mainland and interior of BC; floods washed over homes, businesses, and communities. CER-regulated facilities were among the infrastructure impacted. Over several weeks, Trans Mountain Corporation (Trans Mountain) and Enbridge Pipelines Ltd. (Enbridge) reported numerous exposures of pipeline infrastructure and implemented precautionary shutdowns.
Experts from across the organization focused on the response to the flooding in BC to ensure the safety and protection of the public, workers, Indigenous communities, and the environment. A Crisis Management Team and a Virtual Emergency Operations Centre were established, and a Field Response Team was deployed for 17 days to oversee company actions.
The IAMC-TMX played a significant role in the BC flood response, with IAMC Indigenous Monitors onsite with CER Inspection Officers.
CER staff worked closely with Trans Mountain and Enbridge to ensure the safe return of the operating lines to full service. There were no injuries, releases, or other significant impacts to federally regulated infrastructure attributed to the BC Floods.
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