Canada Energy Regulator
الاسم المختصر: CER
Canada's federal energy regulator — oversees interprovincial and international pipelines, power lines, energy trade, and offshore renewable energy projects under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act (C-15.1).
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Section 2 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes statutory definitions for federal energy infrastructure regulation, including abandoned facilities and pipelines, oil and gas exports and imports, ground disturbance thresholds for pipeline protection, and incorporates Indigenous governing bodies and knowledge in energy decision-making processes.
Application of sections 317 and 318
Section 307 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act extends regulatory sections 317 and 318 to offshore renewable energy projects and offshore power lines by substituting references to companies with persons and pipelines with offshore facilities, ensuring equivalent regulatory requirements.
Reimbursement — measures taken by government institution
The Canadian Energy Regulator Commission may order pipeline operators to reimburse federal, provincial, municipal governments, Indigenous bodies, and other persons for reasonable costs incurred responding to unintended or uncontrolled releases of oil, gas, or other commodities from pipelines, even if costs exceed the operator's statutory liability limits.
Limitations
Authorization holders for Canadian offshore renewable energy projects and offshore power lines must obtain prior written approval from the Canadian Energy Regulator before selling, transferring, purchasing, acquiring, or leasing such projects or their facilities, equipment, and systems, or before amalgamating with another company.
Role of Chairperson
Section 19 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act defines the Chairperson's authority to preside over board meetings and perform assigned duties. The Vice-Chairperson may temporarily assume the role during absences but requires Governor in Council approval to act beyond 90 days.
Jurisdiction
The Canadian Energy Regulator has exclusive jurisdiction to investigate non-compliance with the Act and authorization conditions, inquire into accidents involving pipelines, abandoned pipelines, international power lines, and offshore renewable energy projects, and issue findings, recommendations, and orders in the public interest.
Study and review
The Canadian Energy Regulator must continuously study and review energy exploration, production, processing, transmission, transportation, distribution, and trade activities both domestically and internationally, and oversee the safety and security of regulated and abandoned facilities.
Reports and recommendations to Minister
The Canadian Energy Regulator may submit reports to the Minister recommending measures for control, supervision, conservation, use, marketing and development of energy resources, and for ensuring the safety and security of regulated and abandoned energy facilities.
Effect of election
Section 260 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes that filing an election under section 259 for international power lines prevents new permit issuance, converts pending applications to certificate applications, and revokes existing permits or certificates. Applicants or permit holders who file the election and are acquiring or leasing land become liable for all damages and reasonable costs incurred by landowners from abandonment of such acquisition or lease.
Designated officers
The Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Energy Regulator may designate employees as designated officers authorized to exercise regulatory functions and powers under the Act.
Confidentiality
Section 61 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act authorizes the Commission and designated officers to issue confidentiality orders protecting sensitive information from public disclosure when disclosure poses a real and substantial risk to pipeline, power line, or offshore renewable energy infrastructure security, protective systems, or public safety.
Amount to be paid
Section 164 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act specifies payment obligations for the Regulator to compensate claimants. The Regulator must pay interim and final compensation amounts, costs, and interest (accrued at the Income Tax Act refund rate) within prescribed timeframes, as well as tribunal-awarded fees and travel expenses as authorized by regulations.
Failure to act
Under Canadian Energy Regulator Act s. 131, failure to pay an imposed penalty or request a review within the timeframe specified in s. 125 constitutes admission of the violation, leaving the person liable for the penalty.
Criteria
Before issuing an oil or gas licence, the Canadian Energy Regulator must consider all relevant factors including equitable distribution of designated oil and gas resources across Canada. Sections 348 to 351 of the Act apply to such licences.
Public hearing
Section 202 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act requires the Commission to hold a public hearing when written statements are filed regarding pipeline projects. The Commission must select a convenient hearing location with stated reasons, publish notice locally, notify statement-filers, and permit them and other interested parties to present representations. The Commission may inspect affected lands and may disregard frivolous, withdrawn, or bad-faith statements.
Relocation
The Canadian Energy Regulator may order pipeline companies to relocate pipelines when necessary for safety, environmental protection, public infrastructure projects, or to prevent interference with drainage systems. The regulator determines cost allocation among parties, ensures procedural compliance with prior consultation requirements, and may award reasonable costs to regulatory proceeding participants.
Application for correction of errors
Under Canadian Energy Regulator Act section 208, pipeline companies must apply to the Regulator for a permit to correct any omissions, misstatements, or errors in registered plans, profiles, or books of reference. Once the Regulator issues a permit and certified copies are deposited with the appropriate land registry office, the documents are deemed corrected and pipeline construction may proceed in accordance with the correction.
Acting Lead Commissioner
The Deputy Lead Commissioner of the Canadian Energy Regulator may assume the Lead Commissioner role during absence, incapacity, or vacancy, but cannot act for more than 90 days without Governor in Council approval.
Recovery of loss, etc., caused by debris
Section 302 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes strict liability for losses, damages, and costs arising from debris generated during authorized energy work. Authorization holders are liable up to $1 billion (with reduced limits in Arctic Waters), while parties responsible for debris are jointly and severally liable based on fault. Claims prioritize personal losses, then government costs, then non-use value losses (recoverable only by government).
Right of entry
Section 309 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes the right for persons to enter and use offshore areas to conduct authorized works, manage abandoned offshore power lines, or develop offshore renewable energy projects. Lawful occupants may restrict access; disputes over entry rights are resolved through arbitration.
Costs
Section 330 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes cost allocation rules for compensation disputes. If the awarded compensation exceeds 85% of the company's settlement offer, the company must pay all legal, appraisal, and reasonable costs incurred by the claimant. If the award is at or below 85% of the offer, the Commission has discretion to allocate costs.
Variation of licences
The Canadian Energy Regulator Commission may vary licences issued under the Act either on its own initiative or upon application. Non-minor or non-technical variations require ministerial approval if deemed in the public interest. The Commission may impose new or modified conditions as necessary to fulfil the Act's purposes.
Appointment
Section 21 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes appointment procedures and tenure requirements for the Chief Executive Officer. The CEO is appointed by the Governor in Council on ministerial recommendation after consulting directors, must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, serves full-time on renewable terms up to six years with a maximum total tenure of ten years, cannot simultaneously hold a director position, and receives remuneration set by the Governor in Council.
Offence and punishment
Section 379 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes criminal offences and penalties for contraventions of the Act or regulations. Summary conviction carries fines up to $100,000 or one year imprisonment; indictable offence carries fines up to $1,000,000 or five years imprisonment. Due diligence is a defence. Corporate officers, directors, and agents who direct or participate in offences are liable. Each day of continued violation constitutes a separate offence.
Advance of compensation
Under Canadian Energy Regulator Act section 325, landowners whose property is subject to immediate entry rights granted by a company are entitled to receive advance compensation from that company, pending final compensation determination.
Vesting
Under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, orders granting immediate land entry rights automatically vest specified title, interests, and rights in the applicant company. The company must register the order with the land registrar and notify the Regulator and landowner within 30 business days.
Determinations regarding compensation
Under Canadian Energy Regulator Act section 327, the Commission determines compensation disputes between energy companies and landowners when parties cannot agree. The Commission considers market value of acquired lands, changes in value over time, loss of use, adverse effects on remaining lands, nuisance and noise from operations, potential damage from company activities, livestock/property loss, relocation difficulties, and other relevant circumstances.
Prohibition — construction or ground disturbance
Section 335 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act prohibits construction, ground disturbance, and vehicle operation on or across pipelines without authorization from the Regulator or pipeline company. The Regulator may issue orders governing facility design, construction, and safety measures, authorize companies to grant approvals, and direct remediation of non-compliant facilities. Violations are criminal offences with penalties up to $1 million.
Protection of pipeline from mining operations
Canadian Energy Regulator Act section 338 prohibits mining and mineral prospecting within 40 metres of pipelines and connected infrastructure without authorization from a designated officer. Oil and gas wells under pipelines are exempt if drilled beyond the 40-metre buffer. Applicants must submit detailed plans and profiles; officers may impose conditions to protect safety and security.
Powers
The Canadian Energy Regulator Tribunal possesses the powers of a superior court within its jurisdiction, including authority to compel witness attendance, administer oaths, examine witnesses, demand document production, and enforce orders. The Tribunal is not bound by formal rules of evidence but must respect legal privileges recognized under evidence law.
Examinations
Under Canadian Energy Regulator Act section 156, a Tribunal may require claimants or applicants to undergo medical or other examinations deemed reasonably necessary for adjudicating compensation claims or reconsideration applications.
Application for certificate
Pipeline companies applying to the Canadian Energy Regulator for a certificate must submit detailed maps showing the pipeline's general location along with required plans and specifications. Applicants must file copies with provincial attorneys general, and the Regulator must ensure public notice through newspaper publication or other appropriate media.
Order to reconsider
Section 184 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act enables the Governor in Council to order the Commission to reconsider its report recommendations or conditions. Orders are binding and must be published in the Canada Gazette within 15 days. The Commission must submit a reconsideration report confirming, modifying, or replacing recommendations and conditions while addressing all necessary public interest factors. The reconsideration report is final unless another order is issued.
Extension or improvement
The Canadian Energy Regulator may direct natural gas pipeline operators to extend or improve facilities to interconnect with local distribution networks and serve municipalities or adjacent communities, provided no undue burden is imposed on the operator and service to existing customers is not impaired.
Application
Section 160 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes a compensation claims tribunal where persons, organizations, governments, and Indigenous governing bodies may file claims for damages caused by pipeline releases from designated companies within prescribed timeframes. The Tribunal Chairperson must promptly assign claims to panels and notify all relevant parties.
Warrant to enter dwelling-house or living quarters
Section 104 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes procedures for inspection officers to enter dwelling-houses or living quarters. Entry requires a warrant issued by a justice of the peace, obtained on ex parte application demonstrating necessity for compliance verification and occupant refusal or likelihood of refusal. Force may only be used if explicitly authorized in the warrant and accompanied by a peace officer.
Variation or transfer of certificates
The Canadian Energy Regulator Commission may vary or transfer energy certificates issued under the Act on its own initiative or upon application. The Minister may direct the Commission to recommend variations or transfers to the Governor in Council if deemed in the public interest. The Commission may impose conditions necessary to fulfill the Act's purposes when varying or transferring certificates.
Report
The Canadian Energy Regulator must prepare a report within 450 days on pipeline certificate applications, recommending approval or denial based on public convenience and necessity. The evaluation must consider environmental and cumulative effects, safety, Indigenous interests and rights, market feasibility, economic viability, financial capacity, and alignment with Canada's climate commitments.
Approval
Pipeline companies must obtain a Canadian Energy Regulator certificate before constructing any pipeline section, comply with all certificate conditions, secure Regulator approval of construction plans and specifications, and deposit certified copies in relevant land registries.
Establishment of Tribunal
Section 143 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act authorizes the Governor in Council to establish a pipeline claims tribunal to examine and adjudicate compensation claims arising from pipeline releases. The tribunal may only be established if deemed in the public interest based on extent of damage, estimated costs, and administrative advantages. The tribunal must operate equitably without discrimination based on nationality or residence.
Instructions regarding timeliness
The Lead Commissioner of the Canadian Energy Regulator may issue procedural instructions to commissioners handling applications to ensure timely processing and resolution of matters before the Commission.
Financial resources
Pipeline companies authorized under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act must maintain financial resources sufficient to cover liability limits set by the Commission. The Commission may specify required types and amounts of financial resources, including letters of credit, guarantees, bonds, insurance, and readily accessible funds. Companies must demonstrate compliance upon request and maintain these resources until obtaining abandonment approval.
Plan, profile and book of reference
Energy infrastructure proponents must submit a plan, profile, and book of reference to the Canadian Energy Regulator detailing all land parcels to be acquired or traversed, including parcel identification, dimensions, area, and owner/occupier information. The Regulator may require additional details as necessary.
Sentencing principles
Section 174 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act mandates sentencing principles for pipeline offences involving unintended or uncontrolled releases of oil, gas, or commodities. Courts must increase fines based on aggravating factors including harm to human/environmental safety, intentional or reckless conduct, financial motivation, prior non-compliance, and post-offence concealment or failure to mitigate. Courts must provide written reasons if declining to apply identified aggravating factors.
Suspension or revocation of licences — contravention
The Canadian Energy Regulator may suspend or revoke a licence if the holder breaches a licence condition or if the regulator deems it in the public interest (with ministerial approval). The licence holder must receive notice of the alleged contravention and an opportunity to respond before any order is made.
Regulations
Canadian Energy Regulator Act section 353 empowers the Governor in Council to make regulations governing oil and gas exports, including licence quantities, validity periods (up to 40 years for natural gas, 25 years for oil), inspection requirements, price controls, and exemptions for exports to Chile and Costa Rica.
Variation of sanctions
Under Canadian Energy Regulator Act section 176, courts may vary sanctions orders against offenders upon application if circumstances have changed. Courts can modify prohibitions, directions, requirements, or conditions; extend enforcement duration up to one year; reduce duration; or partially or fully relieve compliance obligations after hearing the offender, regulator, and interested parties.
Coming into force and cessation of effect — Commission
Section 67 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act empowers the Commission, designated officers, and inspection officers to specify effective and cessation dates for authorization documents and orders, or impose conditions controlling their timing. Interim orders may be issued with decisions reserved, except for Part 3 certificates.
Application
Section 382 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes procedural requirements for Commission decisions on declarations of significant or commercial discovery under the Canada Petroleum Resources Act. The Commission must provide at least 30 days' written notice to affected persons, allow written hearing requests within 30 days, conduct hearings where requested, and publish decision reasons upon request.
Rules
The Canadian Energy Regulator Commission is authorized to establish procedural rules governing its operations, including the powers and duties of commissioners, conduct of hearings, issuance of decisions and orders, and internal administrative procedures.
Recommendations on cooperative measures
The Canadian Energy Regulator may recommend measures to the Minister that it deems necessary or appropriate to facilitate cooperation with governmental and other agencies in Canada and internationally on energy matters, energy sources, and the safety and security of regulated and abandoned facilities.
Additional material to be deposited
Pipeline companies must deposit additional materials with the Canadian Energy Regulator beyond standard filings, including plans, specifications, and drawings for pipeline components, as required by the regulator.
Voluntary reporting
The Canadian Energy Regulator may establish voluntary reporting systems for alleged non-compliance with the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, subject to Governor in Council approval. Regulations may protect reporter identity, making identity-revealing information privileged and inadmissible in legal or disciplinary proceedings. Reports from protected systems cannot be used against the reporter.
Construction or operation — navigable water
Under Canadian Energy Regulator Act section 218, any person must obtain a certificate or order from the Canadian Energy Regulator before constructing or operating a pipeline that crosses navigable waters in any manner (in, on, over, under, through, or across).
Regulations
Section 221 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act authorizes the Governor in Council to establish regulations for pipeline sections crossing navigable waters, covering design, construction, operation, safety, security, deviations, relocation, and abandonment. Violations are prosecutable as summary conviction offences.
Effects of recommendation on navigation
The Canadian Energy Regulator must consider navigation safety impacts as a material factor when recommending pipeline approvals and making regulatory decisions for pipelines crossing navigable waters.
Suspension
The Canadian Energy Regulator Commission may suspend application of any tariff or portion thereof before or after it becomes effective, providing regulatory authority over energy infrastructure service charges.
Further information
The Canadian Energy Regulator Commission may request additional information from applicants within a reasonable timeframe after notice publication to support its decision-making process for recommendations.
Delay of issuance
The Canadian Energy Regulator may recommend to the Minister that an electricity export application be designated by Governor in Council order and may delay permit issuance during this process. The Commission must avoid duplicating provincial measures, consider effects on other provinces, verify the applicant offered domestic buyers fair access to available electricity at comparable terms, and account for regulatory factors.
Definitions
This section establishes key definitions under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act for regulatory jurisdiction and scope. 'Designated area' includes Canadian provinces, Sable Island, and federal submarine territories where Canada controls resource rights. 'Designated oil or gas' refers to specific oil or gas products subject to regulatory orders. 'Movement' covers domestic transportation of oil or gas but excludes exports.
Where licence required
Under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, the Governor in Council may designate electricity export applications and revoke permits within 45 days of issuance. When such an order is made, permits cannot be issued and the application must be processed as a licence application instead.
Issuance
The Canadian Energy Regulator Commission may issue electricity export licences subject to Governor in Council approval. Before issuing, the Commission must consider interprovincial effects, confirm applicants have informed domestic buyers of available quantities and service classes, and given domestic buyers equal opportunity to purchase on comparable terms. Any existing permits are revoked if the export licence is denied.
Definition of document of authorization
Section 9 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act defines 'document of authorization' as regulatory instruments issued by the CER, including certificates, permits, authorizations, licenses, and orders that establish the legal framework for energy infrastructure regulation in Canada.
Regulations
Section 333 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act grants the Regulator authority to establish regulations governing land acquisition, leasing, expropriation, and compensation for energy projects. The regulations may address compensation procedures, notice service requirements, acquisition processes, agreement terms, approval criteria, and filing of voluntary landowner agreements.
Consent of Yukon first nation or Governor in Council
Under Canadian Energy Regulator Act section 318, energy companies must obtain consent from relevant Yukon First Nations or the Gwich'in Tribal Council before using settlement land or Tetlit Gwich'in Yukon land. If consent is denied, the Governor in Council may authorize use after a public hearing with notice to affected parties. Companies must compensate First Nations for land use or injurious effects from pipeline construction.
Methods of acquisition or lease
Canadian pipeline companies acquiring or leasing land must include contractual provisions for compensation (lump-sum or periodic payments reviewed every five years), operational damages, indemnification (excluding owner gross negligence or willful misconduct), land-use restrictions, and compensation for adverse effects on remaining lands.
Abandoned facilities
Under Canadian Energy Regulator Act section 101, persons must obtain authorization from a designated officer before contacting, altering, or removing abandoned energy facilities. The Regulator may establish regulations and the Commission may issue orders specifying circumstances in which such authorization is not required.
Offence and punishment
Section 223 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes criminal penalties for contraventions of reporting and operational requirements. Indictable offences carry fines up to CAD $1,000,000 and/or imprisonment up to five years; summary convictions carry fines up to CAD $100,000 and/or imprisonment up to one year.
Order in Council
The Governor in Council may issue orders placing supervision and control of designated oil or gas movement from specified areas under the Canadian Energy Regulator. While such an order is in force, persons moving designated oil or gas from the area must hold a licence under the relevant Division or comply with applicable regulations.
Issuance
The Canadian Energy Regulator Act s. 370 authorizes the Commission to issue licenses permitting movement of designated oil or gas out of designated areas, subject to regulatory conditions and compliance with the Act, its regulations, orders, and applicable provisions of the Energy Administration Act.
Commission
The Canadian Energy Regulator shall comprise up to seven full-time commissioners, with provision for part-time members, and must include at least one Indigenous full-time commissioner.
Lead Commissioner’s powers
Section 49 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act preserves the Lead Commissioner's independent authority to issue corrective and preventive enforcement measures against energy sector entities, ensuring regulatory discretion is not constrained by procedural requirements elsewhere in the Act.
Section 3
This section has been repealed and contains no active regulatory content.
Annual report
The Canadian Energy Regulator's board must submit an annual report to the Minister within 120 days of each fiscal year end (March 31), detailing the Regulator's activities. The Minister must table the report in Parliament within 15 sitting days of receipt.
Pooled fund
Canadian pipeline operators may satisfy financial liability requirements for commodity releases by participating in a regulated pooled fund established by authorized pipeline companies. Operators must maintain additional reserves equal to any shortfall between their liability requirements and pooled fund access. The Governor in Council may establish regulations governing minimum fund levels, contribution and withdrawal limits, and participation conditions.
Conflict of Interest Act
Canadian Energy Regulator commissioners must disclose conflicts of interest including direct involvement in hydrocarbon, electricity, or offshore energy production, trading, transmission, or import/export; holdings in energy corporation securities; incompatible employment; or employment with the Regulator itself.
Notice of proposed acquisition or lease of lands
Pipeline companies must notify all identifiable landowners of lands required for pipeline construction or operation, providing detailed descriptions of required lands, compensation valuations, route approval procedures, and dispute resolution options. Pre-notice agreements are void, and companies are liable for all damages if they subsequently abandon acquisition or lease plans.
Role of the board of directors
Section 17 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes the board of directors' governance role, requiring it to provide strategic direction and advice to the Regulator while being prohibited from influencing specific Commission decisions or recommendations. The board may establish bylaws for its operations, with quorum defined as a majority of directors including the Chairperson.
Appointment
Section 28 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes the appointment and governance framework for CER commissioners. Commissioners are appointed by the Governor in Council for terms up to six years, with a maximum total tenure of ten years. Appointees must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents and cannot be directors. The Governor in Council sets remuneration and covers reasonable travel and other expenses.
Annual report
The Canadian Energy Regulator must submit an annual report to the Minister within 120 days following each fiscal year ending March 31, detailing its activities under the Act. The Minister must present the report to Parliament within 15 sitting days of receipt. Additional reports may be submitted at the regulator's discretion.
Notice of decision
The Canadian Energy Regulator must promptly issue written decisions with detailed reasons to all persons who made representations at public hearings regarding pipeline plan, profile, and book of reference approvals or refusals.
Confidentiality — Indigenous knowledge
Section 58 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act protects the confidentiality of Indigenous knowledge shared with the Regulator. Disclosure without written consent is prohibited, except when the knowledge is publicly available, necessary for procedural fairness in legal proceedings (with mandatory prior consultation), or authorized by regulation. The Regulator may impose conditions on disclosure and has immunity from liability for good-faith disclosures.
Regulations
Section 78 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act grants the Governor in Council authority to make regulations governing the Minister's power to enter into arrangements under section 77, including rules for procedures, applicable circumstances, required contents, and modifications to statutory or regulatory provisions.
No unjust discrimination
Section 235 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act requires energy companies to avoid unjust discrimination in tolls, services, or facilities against any person or locality, ensuring fair and equitable access to energy infrastructure.
General rule
Section 238 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act requires pipeline and commodity transmission companies to disclose liability limitations in filed tariffs, obtain Commission approval, or have regulatory authorization. The Commission determines permissible liability limits and prescribes transmission conditions for hydrocarbons and other commodities.
Immunity
Inspection officers appointed under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act are granted civil immunity for actions or omissions made in good faith while exercising their statutory powers and performing duties under the Act.
Application
Section 251 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act applies federal regulatory requirements for international power lines to provinces with designated provincial regulatory agencies, unless the province opts out by filing an election under section 259.
Regulations imposing fees, etc.
Section 142 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act authorizes the regulator to impose fees, levies, and charges on pipeline operators to recover government costs from commodity release incidents. Primary liability falls on the responsible operator; if recovery is insufficient, fees extend to other operators transporting the same or similar commodities. Regulations prescribe fee calculation methods and interest rates on unpaid amounts, which become recoverable debts to the Crown.
Confidentiality
Section 60 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act authorizes the Commission and designated officers to issue confidentiality orders protecting information in regulatory proceedings. Confidentiality may be granted to prevent material financial loss or competitive prejudice, to protect confidential financial, commercial, scientific or technical information when the discloser's interest outweighs public interest, or when disclosure poses real and substantial risks to safety, well-being, property or the environment.
Decision by Governor in Council
Section 186 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act grants the Governor in Council authority to issue binding orders on pipeline certificate applications following CER recommendations. The Governor may approve certificates with conditions, dismiss applications, or refer recommendations for reconsideration. Orders must include written reasons demonstrating consideration of relevant factors and be issued within 90 days (extendable). Orders are final, must be published in the Canada Gazette within 15 days, and the CER must comply within seven days.
Paramountcy
Federal permits and certificates issued under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, along with applicable Acts of Parliament, take precedence over conflicting provincial laws when applied to federally regulated energy projects, establishing federal regulatory supremacy.
Revocation of certificates — contravention
The Canadian Energy Regulator may revoke a certificate if the holder violates any condition, subject to Governor in Council approval. The regulator must provide written notice of the alleged violation and grant the certificate holder an opportunity to be heard before revocation.
Rules
The Canadian Energy Regulator Tribunal may establish procedural rules governing compensation claims and reconsideration applications, including filing procedures, required information, hearing conduct, evidence formats, and quorum requirements.
Application
Section 264 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act defines CER jurisdiction over three categories of power lines: international lines with filed elections, unregulated portions of international lines in provinces without designated regulatory agencies, and interprovincial lines subject to regulatory orders.
Application of certain provisions
Section 266 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act extends pipeline regulatory provisions to international and interprovincial power lines. Applicants and permit/certificate holders must follow intervention, certification, and permitting procedures under specified sections. Deviations crossing navigable waters require heightened scrutiny under section 211. Abandonment provisions do not apply to power lines.
Burden of proof
Under Canadian Energy Regulator Act section 236, if a company discriminates in tolls, service, or facilities against any person or locality, the burden of proof shifts to the company to demonstrate that such discrimination is not unjust.
Laws of a province
Section 252 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes provincial regulatory authority over intra-provincial electricity transmission lines, granting provinces jurisdiction over location/routing, land acquisition and expropriation procedures, environmental impact assessments, environmental protection during construction and operation, and abandonment protocols.
Powers, duties and functions of provincial regulatory agency
Provincial regulatory agencies designated under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act possess equivalent authority over international power lines within their jurisdiction as they do over interprovincial electricity transmission lines, including discretionary power to refuse approvals even if such refusal prevents line construction or operation.
Orders
The Canadian Energy Regulator Commission may issue orders governing the design, construction, operation, and abandonment of facilities crossing interprovincial and international power lines. Orders authorize facility crossings, regulate ground disturbances, govern vehicle operation, allocate construction costs, and specify activities. The Regulator may also make complementary regulations with Governor in Council approval.
Provincial regulatory agency
Canadian provinces may designate their lieutenant governor in council, a provincial minister, or another entity as the provincial regulatory agency responsible for administering energy regulation under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act.