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Recommendation not to vary or transfer

Under Canadian Energy Regulator Act section 192, if the Commission recommends against varying or transferring an energy certificate, the Governor in Council may issue an order directing the Commission to decline the variation or transfer or to reconsider the matter.

Suspension or revocation of permits or licences

The Canadian Energy Regulator Commission may suspend or revoke electricity export permits or licences if the holder requests revocation, consents to suspension, or breaches permit conditions. The Commission must provide written notice of alleged contraventions and grant the holder an opportunity to respond before enforcement action.

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.

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.

Publication of order

Orders issued by the Canadian Energy Regulator under sections 191 or 192 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act must be published in the Canada Gazette within 15 days of issuance.

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.

Definitions

Section 373 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act defines key terms for the division governing energy exports, including references to free trade agreements (CCFTA, CCRFTA, CUSMA) and defines 'energy goods' as commodities requiring a licence, permit, or regulatory order for exportation under this Part.

Principle

The Canadian Energy Regulator must give effect to CUSMA, CCFTA, and CCRFTA trade agreements. The Governor in Council may issue binding directions to the Regulator regarding performance of this duty or interpretation of these agreements, which apply to pending matters unless otherwise specified.

Declaration of Governor in Council

The Governor in Council may issue an order declaring that restrictions on exporting energy goods to Chile or Costa Rica are justified under provisions of the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement or Canada-Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement.

Request for declaration

The Canadian Energy Regulator may suspend its determination of licence or permit applications for energy exports to Chile or Costa Rica for up to 120 days if it considers restrictions in the public interest and applicable under relevant trade agreements, to allow the Minister to request a Governor in Council order.

Exportation to Chile or Costa Rica

The Canadian Energy Regulator cannot refuse, suspend, revoke or vary licenses or permits for energy goods exported to Chile or Costa Rica if doing so would breach obligations under the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement or Canada-Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement, except during suspension orders or with the license holder's consent.

No declaration made

The Canadian Energy Regulator may issue export licences for energy goods to Chile or Costa Rica without meeting standard criteria if the Minister declines to recommend an order, the Governor in Council declines to make one, or no order is issued within 120 days of the export request.

Variation of licences or authorizations

The Canadian Energy Regulator Commission or its delegates may modify the conditions of operating licences or authorizations issued under the Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act, providing regulatory flexibility in managing oil and gas operations.

Application

Under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, the Commission must review orders referred by the Chief Safety Officer or Chief Conservation Officer. The Commission may confirm or set aside such orders, with the burden on the requesting party to establish that the order is unnecessary.

Offence and punishment

Section 387 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes criminal penalties for non-compliance with Commission orders under sections 384-385. Summary conviction carries fines up to $100,000 and/or one year imprisonment; indictable conviction carries fines up to $1,000,000 and/or five years imprisonment. A due diligence defence is available, and Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act provisions apply.

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.

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.

Conduct of Licensed Activities: Construction and Commissioning Programs

Licence Application Guide: Nuclear Substances and Radiation Devices, Version 2.1

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.

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.

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.

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.

Alternative dispute resolution

The Canadian Energy Regulator must provide alternative dispute resolution processes for disputes under the Act when all parties consent. Results are non-binding but may be considered by the Commission or designated officers in their decisions and may be made public with party consent.

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.

Authorization — powers, duties and functions

The Lead Commissioner of the Canadian Energy Regulator may delegate regulatory powers, duties, and functions to commissioners, either jointly or individually, except for procedural, appellate, investigative, enforcement, and review matters under specified sections. Actions taken under delegation are deemed performed by the Commission itself.

Leave required

Pipeline companies must obtain a leave order from the Canadian Energy Regulator Commission before opening a pipeline or section for transmission of hydrocarbons or other commodities. Leave is granted only when the Commission is satisfied the pipeline can safely operate.

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.

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).

Confidentiality

The Canadian Energy Regulator or a designated officer may take enforcement measures and issue orders to ensure compliance with confidentiality and information disclosure obligations under section 58 and related regulations.

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.

Orders

The Canadian Energy Regulator may issue orders requiring facility holders to repair, reconstruct, or alter regulated facilities to ensure safety, security, and environmental protection. Orders can be directed at Indigenous bodies, governments, third parties, and others. Non-compliance authorizes the Regulator to take direct action or engage third parties, with liability protection for good-faith interventions.

Existing terms and conditions

Section 222 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act deems all terms and conditions imposed on pipelines before July 3, 2013 under the National Energy Board Act to be conditions of CER certificates or orders. Pipeline companies must construct pipelines according to previously specified orders, regulations, plans, and specifications, or as directed by the Commission.

General or particular application

The Canadian Energy Regulator or a designated officer may issue orders, directions, and impose conditions either generally across all regulated entities or specifically for particular cases or classes of cases, enabling flexible regulatory application.

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.

Powers of liquidators, trustees, etc.

Section 5 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act expands the definition of 'company' for regulatory purposes to include liquidators, receivers, managers, and trustees authorized to operate businesses; persons operating pre-1953 pipelines or exempted pipelines; Quebec court-appointed administrators; and successors handling abandoned pipelines.

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.

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.

Power to review, vary or rescind — Commission

Section 69 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act empowers the Commission and designated/inspection officers to review, vary, rescind decisions and orders, and re-hear applications. This authority excludes operating licences, authorizations under sections 382–383, and development plan approvals under the Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act.

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.

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.

Costs and expenses related to abandonment

The Canadian Energy Regulator may require pipeline companies to establish and maintain financial funds or security to ensure they can pay for pipeline abandonment and related costs. The Regulator can direct use of these funds, authorize third parties to access them, realize security to cover abandonment expenses, and allocate any surplus to the Orphan Pipelines Account.

Orphan pipelines

Under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, a designated officer may declare a pipeline an orphan pipeline if the certificate-holding company cannot be located, is unknown, insolvent, bankrupt, in receivership, or dissolved. Persons named in prior regulatory orders or authorized under Special Acts are deemed certificate holders for orphan pipeline designation purposes.

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.

Prohibition

Persons are prohibited from constructing or operating any section or part of an international power line without first obtaining a permit under section 248 or a certificate under section 262 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act.

Design of Uranium Mines and Mills: Ventilation Systems, Version 1.1

Issuance

The Canadian Energy Regulator must issue permits for construction and operation of international power lines upon application, subject to the Impact Assessment Act, unless the project is designated by Governor in Council order or an alternative regulatory election applies. Applicants must provide all information specified in regulations.

Financial Guarantees for Decommissioning of Nuclear Facilities and Termination of Licensed Activities

Power lines not works

International and interprovincial power lines subject to Canadian Energy Regulator orders are excluded from the definition of 'work' under the Canadian Navigable Waters Act, removing them from that Act's regulatory jurisdiction.

Offence and punishment

Section 292 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act imposes criminal penalties for contraventions of specified regulatory provisions. Indictable convictions carry fines up to CAD $1 million and imprisonment up to five years; summary convictions carry fines up to CAD $100,000 and up to one year imprisonment.