Expert panel on National Energy Board modernization engages with Canadians

In November, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Jim Carr, announced the creation of a five-member expert panel to provide recommendations to the government for the modernization of the NEB. The panel will visit the following cities to hear the views of Canadians as part of its engagement activities:

• Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – January 25–26, 2017
• Toronto, Ontario – February 1–2, 2017
• Vancouver, British Columbia – February 8–9, 2017
• Winnipeg, Manitoba – February 15–16, 2017
• Ottawa, Ontario – February 22–23, 2017
• Fort St. John, British Columbia – March 1–2, 2017
• Edmonton, Alberta – March 7–8, 2017
• Iqaluit, Nunavut – March 14–15, 2017
• Saint John, New Brunswick – March, 21–22, 2017
• Montreal, Quebec – March 28–29, 2017

Three types of sessions will be open to the public on the first day in each city: presentations, dialogue sessions and open houses. On the second day in each location, the panel will meet with Indigenous peoples to discuss the needs and interests of their communities. Sessions on both days are open to anyone with an interest in the modernization of the NEB. Registration is required for each session and can be done on the panel’s website: www.neb-modernization.ca.

The Expert Panel has posted 12 discussion papers online to seek input on a number of key areas beyond environmental assessment, including the NEB’s governance structure, role and mandate, with a particular focus on enhancing the participation of the public and Indigenous peoples in regulatory reviews. Other topics such as the NEB’s decision-making role on projects, the life-cycle regulation of projects, and emergency prevention, preparedness, and response will also be covered.

The Expert Panel will submit its report and recommendations to the Minister of Natural Resources by May 15, 2017. The report will be made public.

For major projects already under review, the government will continue to rely on the NEB to inform key decisions, supported by the interim principles announced in January 2016.