Canada Energy Regulator – 2022–23 Departmental Results Report – Supplementary information tables – United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals^Footnote 1

SDG 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

Information plays a role in Canadians’ decisions as Canada transitions towards a low carbon economy. The CER’s Energy Information Program, including the flagship Energy Futures series of outlooks, includes analysis on low-carbon options and scenarios.

The CER confidently enforces some of the strictest safety and environmental standards in the world. Companies have to answer to us every step of the way as energy projects are planned, designed, built, operated and abandoned. Preventing harm is the foundation of how the CER keeps people safe and protects the environment.

The CER is participating in the Canadian Standards Association’s CSA Z662 Hydrogen Task Force, the focus of which is to update the requirements in the CSA Z662 Standard to incorporate pure hydrogen pipelines and hydrogen blended natural gas pipelines.

This program can contribute to advancing the ambition expressed in Canadian Indicator Framework Goal 7.1 and 7.2, “Canadians reduce their energy consumption”

The CER’s mandate and activities contribute to advancing the ambition expressed in Canadian Indicator Framework Goal 7.3, “Canadians have access to clean and renewable energy”

The CER is responsible for collecting, monitoring, analyzing and publishing information on energy markets and supply, sources of energy and the safety and security of pipelines and international powerlines. This information supports Canadians, the public, policy makers and industry to make informed decisions on energy related matters.

Participating on CSA committees, including the Hydrogen Task Force, ensures the CER’s experience regulating pipelines is considered when updating codes and standards. As Canada and the world continues its transition to low-carbon economies, this will ensure Canadians have low-carbon options like hydrogen, to satisfy their energy needs.

SDG 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

These efforts contribute to advancing the ambition expressed in Canadian Indicator Framework Goal 9, “Canadians have access to modern and sustainable infrastructure”

The CER’s responsibility in the energy transition to a low-carbon economy is to be ready to review projects and regulate any resource or technology within our mandate. By doing this the CER supports the advancement of SDG 9.

In 2022–23, the CER continued to have representation and participation on CSA committees, sub-committees, and task forces to research, develop and maintain standards that reflect the transition to the low-carbon economy.

The CER’s review of the OPR obtained input in the areas of Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, engagement, and inclusive participation, global competitiveness, safety and environmental protection and implementation. The CER published a report highlighting what we heard and feedback received.

The CER continued to provide support to Natural Resources Canada on the ORER initiative. This initiative will support the implementation of Part 5 of the CER Act related to Offshore Renewable Energy Projects and Offshore Powerlines.

SDG 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries

This approach supports the Canadian Indicator Framework ambition that “Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced”

The CER’s Commission holds public hearings for projects that require a certificate, and other projects, when appropriate, ensuring that interested parties can contribute their views and decisions are fair and transparent. During this process, Crown Consultation may occur when there is potential impact to the rights and interests of Indigenous Peoples.

The CER’s approach recognizes the ten Principles Respecting the Government of Canada’s Relationship with Indigenous Peoples, federal guidance on the duty to consult as well as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples^Footnote 2.

SDG 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

Information plays a role in Canadians’ decisions as Canada transitions towards a low carbon economy. The CER’s Energy Information Program, including the flagship Energy Futures series of outlooks, includes analysis on low-carbon options and scenarios.

This program can contribute to advancing the ambition expressed in Canadian Indicator Framework Goal 13.1, “Canadians reduce their greenhouse gas emissions”

The CER collects, monitors, analyzes and publishes fact-based information on energy markets and supply, sources of energy, and the safety and security of pipelines and international power lines. Through the Energy Information core responsibility, the CER aims to provides timely and relevant energy information to Canadians and policy makers.

This information supports the conversation around Canada’s energy transition to a net zero future.

In 2022–23 the CER broadened the scope of the Energy Futures 2023 report to consider how different net-zero pathways could impact Canadians. This report, published in June 2023, is the CER’s first long-term outlook to fully model net-zero for the Canadian energy system by 2050.