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Replacement of commissioner during hearing

Procedural rule under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act allowing the Lead Commissioner to designate a replacement commissioner to continue hearings or render decisions if the assigned commissioner becomes unable to act or resigns during proceedings or between hearing conclusion and decision issuance.

Grounds for making order

Section 109 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act authorizes inspection officers to issue orders directing persons to cease contraventions, implement compliance measures, or prevent hazards to safety, security, property, or the environment. Orders may suspend facility operations until remediation is complete, with mandatory written notice and reporting to the Commission.

Reporting Requirements, Volume I: Non-Power Reactor Class I Facilities and Uranium Mines and Mills, Version 1.1

Reporting Requirements for Nuclear Power Plants, Version 3

Authorization — report

Section 46 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act authorizes the Lead Commissioner to designate commissioners to report on Commission matters and applications. Authorized commissioners possess full investigatory and evidentiary powers for information gathering. Reports may be formally adopted as Commission decisions or handled otherwise as deemed appropriate.

Definitions

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.

Definitions

Section 113 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes legal privilege protection for voice and video recordings of operating personnel at regulated energy facilities. Recordings are privileged and non-disclosable except when requested by the Regulator for accident inquiries, by coroners for investigations, or when courts determine public interest in justice outweighs privilege. Recordings cannot be used in disciplinary proceedings against facility operators or employees.

Mandate

The Canadian Energy Regulator's mandate encompasses making transparent decisions and orders on pipelines, power lines, and offshore renewable energy projects; overseeing their construction, operation, and abandonment; setting traffic, tolls, and tariffs; managing oil and gas interests; providing advisory services and dispute resolution; and exercising authority while respecting Indigenous peoples' rights.

Court of record

The Canadian Energy Regulator is established as a court of record with superior court powers, enabling it to compel witness testimony, demand document production, enforce orders, and inspect property. All proceedings must be handled expeditiously while maintaining procedural fairness and natural justice.

Authority to enter

Section 103 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act authorizes inspection officers to enter non-dwelling facilities without warrant to verify compliance with energy regulations. Officers may examine equipment, access computer systems, conduct tests and sampling, take photographs, remove items for analysis, and direct operational changes. Property owners must provide reasonable assistance and access to documents and information.

Replacement of panel member during hearing

Section 48 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes procedures for replacing panel commissioners during hearings. If a commissioner becomes unavailable or resigns during a hearing, the Lead Commissioner may appoint a replacement to continue the hearing and participate in the decision. If unavailability occurs after the hearing concludes but before the decision is finalized, remaining commissioners may proceed unanimously to make the decision without replacement.

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.

Reporting Requirements for Waste Nuclear Substance Licensees, Class II Nuclear Facilities and Users of Prescribed Equipment, Nuclear Substances and Radiation Devices

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.

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.

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.

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.

Request of Minister

The Canadian Energy Regulator must provide ministerial advice and conduct requested studies on energy matters, facility safety, security, and oil and gas export pricing. Publication of such advice, studies, or reports requires prior written ministerial consent.

If pipeline affixed to any real property or immovables

Section 224 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes that pipeline sections affixed to real property, utilities, or navigable waters remain the exclusive property of the pipeline company and do not become part of underlying property without written consent and Regulator notice. Pipeline companies retain rights to create liens, mortgages, charges, and security interests on affixed sections under specified regulatory circumstances.

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.

Regulations respecting accounts, etc.

The Canadian Energy Regulator may establish regulations governing accounting practices and record-keeping for pipeline operators, oil/gas/electricity exporters, and licensed entities. Requirements cover account maintenance methods, depreciation accounting, uniform account systems, and submission of records on capital, revenues, expenses and operational matters. Violations are summary offences unless due diligence is demonstrated.

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.

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.

Authorized tolls

Section 229 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act prohibits pipeline companies from charging tolls unless authorized by filed and approved tariffs or Commission orders. When companies own the oil, gas, or commodities transported through their pipelines, they must file sales contracts and amendments with the Regulator upon request, which are treated as tariffs for regulatory purposes.

Prohibition

A person must obtain Canadian Energy Regulator approval of plans, profiles, and books of reference for any international or interprovincial power line section before construction begins, and must deposit certified copies in the relevant land registry offices.

Construction — utility

Pipeline companies must obtain a Canadian Energy Regulator certificate or conditional leave before constructing pipelines that cross utilities (highways, telecommunications, transmission lines, sewers, drainage systems). The Commission may grant leave with or without conditions, require documentation, and retroactively approve urgent work if advance notice was provided.

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.

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.

Regulations — Governor in Council

Section 372 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act authorizes the Governor in Council to establish regulations governing the export licensing, movement, and inspection of designated oil and gas from Canada. The Regulator may prescribe license application requirements, validity periods, export quantities, inspection standards for related equipment and records, and measurement units for oil and gas transportation.

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.

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.

Issuance

Section 262 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act governs certification of international and interprovincial power lines. The Commission may issue certificates if satisfied the power line serves present and future public convenience and necessity, considering environmental effects, safety, Indigenous rights and consultation, health and socioeconomic impacts, and climate commitments. Decisions must be made within 300 days of a complete application, subject to Governor in Council approval within 90 days.

Decisions final

Section 70 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes that decisions and orders issued by the Commission, designated officers, and inspection officers are final and conclusive, with no further appeal unless explicitly provided elsewhere in the Act.

Notice to owners

Pipeline companies must serve written notice on all affected landowners and publish notices describing the proposed pipeline route and CER head office location. Landowners have 30 days from service to file written opposition; other persons anticipating adverse effects have 30 days from publication to oppose. The Regulator must publish notices on its website.

Election by applicant or holder

Applicants or holders of permits or certificates for international power lines may elect to have provisions of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act apply instead of provincial laws by filing a prescribed election form with the Regulator.

Regulations

The Governor in Council may establish regulations governing offshore renewable energy projects and power lines, addressing safety, security, and environmental protection. Regulations may prohibit introduction of specified substances or forms of energy, establish record management and disclosure requirements, and provide arbitration procedures for disputes.

Registration of plans, etc.

Land registrars must receive, preserve, and provide public access to plans, profiles, books of reference, and documents required under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act. Registrars must endorse deposits with date/time stamps, provide certified copies at reasonable fees, and certify proper deposit and execution. Certified copies serve as legal evidence of original documents and their submission time.

Matters to be taken into account

The Canadian Energy Regulator must consider all written submissions and public hearing representations when approving pipeline construction plans, routes, and methods. The Regulator may approve sections where no submissions have been filed.

Impact Assessment Act

The Canadian Energy Regulator must decide applications for designated projects subject to federal impact assessment within seven days of the decision statement being posted online, basing its decision solely on the impact assessment report and disregarding certain procedural requirements.

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.

Prohibition

Section 237 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act prohibits companies, shippers, and their agents from offering or accepting rebates, concessions, or discriminatory rates for hydrocarbon transmission below published tariffs, and from engaging in false billing, classification, or reporting to circumvent rate requirements. A due diligence defence is available, and prosecution requires prior Commission approval.

Impact Assessment Act

Section 185 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act transfers certificate application authority for designated projects under the Impact Assessment Act from the Commission to an independent review panel. The panel exercises powers under sections 182-184, coordinates with energy and environment ministers, and must submit reports within Impact Assessment Act timelines.

Continuation of jurisdiction and obligation

Section 189 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act clarifies that procedural delays do not strip the Regulator of jurisdiction over applications or reporting obligations, and all actions taken remain valid. The Governor in Council may also issue orders under section 186(1) even after statutory time limits have expired.

Order to reconsider

Section 193 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act grants the Governor in Council authority to order the Commission to reconsider its decisions, with discretion to specify factors for consideration and completion timelines. The Commission must report any resulting changes to its recommendations back to the Governor in Council.

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.

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.

Tariff to be filed

Energy transportation companies must file all tariffs and amendments with the Canadian Energy Regulator to ensure transparent disclosure of pricing and service terms for pipeline and energy transportation services.

Commencement of tariff

Under Canadian Energy Regulator Act section 228, pipeline companies filing tariffs must obtain regulatory approval establishing an effective commencement date before charging tolls for transportation services.

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.

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.