Canada Energy Regulator
Short name: 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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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.
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.
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.
Order designating Minister
Administrative provision enabling the Governor in Council to designate a federal minister responsible for administering the Canadian Energy Regulator Act.
Conflict of Interest Act
Canadian Energy Regulator directors must disclose conflicts of interest, including direct involvement in hydrocarbon, electricity, or offshore energy production, trading, transmission, import/export; holdings of securities in energy corporations; and outside employment inconsistent with regulatory duties.
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.
Vacancy
A vacancy in the Canadian Energy Regulator Commission does not impair the authority of remaining commissioners to perform their regulatory functions and duties.
Role of Lead Commissioner
Section 38 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act defines the Lead Commissioner's administrative responsibilities, including managing Commission operations, distributing work among commissioners, and forming panels of at least three commissioners to exercise regulatory powers and perform duties.
Non-application
Section 44 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act exempts designated projects undergoing federal impact assessment from sections 41 and 42, ensuring such projects are regulated exclusively through the Impact Assessment Act framework without dual regulatory processes.
Prohibition — obstruction
Section 106 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act prohibits any person from obstructing or hindering inspection officers while they exercise their powers or perform their duties and functions under the 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.
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.
Commission of violation
Under Canadian Energy Regulator Act section 117, any person who contravenes or fails to comply with designated provisions, orders, decisions, or conditions commits a violation subject to penalties determined by regulation. Penalties are designed to promote compliance rather than punish.
Liability of directors, officers, etc.
Directors, officers, agents, and mandataries of corporations are personally liable for penalties under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act if they directed, authorized, assented to, acquiesced in, or participated in a violation of the Act, regardless of whether the corporation itself is prosecuted.
Proof of violation
Section 119 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes that a corporation may be held liable for violations committed by its employees, agents, or mandataries without requiring identification or separate prosecution of the individual actor.
Issuance and service of notice of violation
Section 120 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act enables designated persons to issue notices of violation to those reasonably believed to have committed regulatory offences. Notices must identify the violator, describe relevant facts, state the penalty amount, and inform recipients of their right to request review and payment procedures. Failure to pay or request review within the specified period results in deemed violation and liability.
Certain defences not available
Section 121 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act removes due diligence and honest belief as available defences for persons cited in violation notices. Common law justifications and excuses remain applicable if consistent with the Act.
Continuing violation
Under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act section 122, a violation that persists across multiple days is treated as a separate violation for each day of non-compliance, creating cumulative daily liability for continuing infractions.
Limitation period or prescription
The Canadian Energy Regulator must issue a notice of violation within two years from the date a violation occurs; no enforcement action may proceed after this two-year limitation period expires.
Right to request review
Under Canadian Energy Regulator Act section 125, any person served with a violation notice may request Commission review of the penalty amount or violation facts within 30 days of service, or within any extended period the Commission permits.
Review
The Canadian Energy Regulator Commission must conduct or arrange reviews of violation notices upon request. When a violation notice was issued by a designated person under the CER Act, the Commission must conduct the review directly without delegation.
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.
Purpose
Section 136 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes that sections 137–142 reinforce the polluter-pays principle by imposing financial requirements on companies authorized to construct or operate pipelines in Canada.
Recovery of loss, damage, costs, expenses
Section 137 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act imposes joint and several liability on pipeline operators and contractors for unintended or uncontrolled releases of oil, gas, or other commodities. Liable parties must cover actual losses, response costs, and loss of non-use value. Liability is capped at $1 billion for major pipelines (≥250,000 barrels/day capacity); smaller pipelines face prescribed regulatory amounts. Claims recover in Canadian courts with priority ranking favoring actual loss over cost recovery, which ranks above non-use value claims.
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.
Jurisdiction of courts
Section 144 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act clarifies that regulatory provisions do not restrict court jurisdiction over pipeline release matters, preserving judicial authority in such cases.
Tenure
Section 147 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act defines tenure provisions for Tribunal members, establishing that they hold office during good behaviour and may be removed by the Governor in Council for cause or if the Tribunal has no ongoing work.
Immunity
Section 148 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act grants civil immunity to Tribunal members for actions or omissions undertaken in the exercise or purported exercise of their powers, duties, or functions.
Chairperson
Section 149 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes the appointment and governance structure of a Tribunal Chairperson, who is designated by the Governor in Council on ministerial recommendation. The Chairperson allocates work among tribunal members, assigns members to panels, designates panel presiders, and supervises tribunal staff operations.
Staff
Section 150 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act authorizes the Tribunal to employ necessary staff, define their duties and employment conditions, and set compensation with Treasury Board approval.
Establishment and composition
The Canadian Energy Regulator is governed by a board of 5–9 directors, including a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, with at least one director required to be an Indigenous person.
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.
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.
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.
Violation or offence
Section 123 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes that violations and offences are mutually exclusive enforcement mechanisms. Regulators must choose to pursue a given act or omission as either an administrative violation or a criminal offence, but not both. Violations are excluded from Criminal Code section 126.
Offence and punishment — duty to assist and orders
Section 112 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes criminal penalties for non-compliance with CER duties and orders. Violations of section 103(4) or failure to comply with section 109 orders result in fines up to $1,000,000 and/or five years imprisonment on indictment, or up to $100,000 and/or one year on summary conviction. Contraventions of sections 106 and 107 carry summary conviction fines of up to $100,000 for first offences and up to $300,000 for subsequent offences.
Admissibility of documents
Under Canadian Energy Regulator Act section 134, documents appearing to be notices issued under subsection 120(1) are presumed authentic and constitute proof of their contents in violation proceedings unless contrary evidence is presented.
Object of review
Section 128 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes the administrative review process for regulatory penalties. The Commission or reviewing officer determines whether penalties were correctly calculated per regulations and whether violations occurred, issuing written determinations with reasons. Miscalculated penalties must be corrected. Determinations are final and binding, subject only to judicial review by the Federal Court.
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.
Appointment
Section 15 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes procedures for appointing the CER's Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and directors by the Governor in Council on a part-time basis for terms up to five years, with reappointment eligibility. Appointees must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents and cannot simultaneously hold positions as CER employees, commissioners, or Chief Executive Officer.
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.
Binding on Her Majesty
Section 7 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes that the Act applies to and binds Her Majesty in right of Canada and the provinces, ensuring federal and provincial governments are subject to the same regulatory obligations as private entities in energy regulation matters.
Designation
Under Canadian Energy Regulator Act s. 141, the Governor in Council may designate pipeline operators whose companies experience unintended or uncontrolled releases of oil, gas, or commodities if they lack financial resources to cover response costs and compensation or fail to comply with regulatory orders. The Regulator may conduct response actions, authorize third parties with liability protection, and recover expenses from pooled financial arrangements or by reimbursing governments and Indigenous bodies.
Orders and prohibitions
The Canadian Energy Regulator Commission may issue binding orders requiring compliance with the CER Act and authorization conditions, and may prohibit activities that violate the Act or breach authorization terms or Commission directives.
Conflict of Interest Act
Section 22 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act defines conflict of interest circumstances for the CEO, prohibiting ownership, shareholding, directorship, or involvement in hydrocarbon production, electricity generation/transmission, offshore energy operations, related securities, incompatible employment, and concurrent positions at the Regulator.
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.
Debts to Her Majesty
Administrative provision under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishing that penalties imposed by the regulator are debts owed to the Crown, recoverable through Federal Court or other competent jurisdiction. Enforcement actions must be commenced within five years of the debt's due date.
Designation of inspection officers
The Canadian Energy Regulator's CEO may designate inspection officers to enforce safety, security, environmental, and property protection regulations at regulated and abandoned energy facilities. All designated officers must be provided with a certificate of authority and must produce it upon request.
Public notice
The Canadian Energy Regulator must immediately notify the public when a compensation tribunal is established, including publication in the Canada Gazette detailing the tribunal's purpose and procedures for filing compensation claims.
Prohibition — false statements or information
Section 107 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act prohibits knowingly making false or misleading statements or providing false information to inspection officers exercising regulatory powers regarding energy matters.
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.
Publication
The Canadian Energy Regulator may publicly disclose the nature of violations, the identity of violators, and penalty amounts imposed under energy regulation.
Governor in Council directions
Section 13 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act empowers the Governor in Council to issue binding policy directions to the Canadian Energy Regulator on broad matters within its regulatory mandate. All such directions must be published in the Canada Gazette and tabled in Parliament.
Acting Lead and Deputy Lead Commissioners
Establishes succession procedures for the Canadian Energy Regulator: when both the Lead Commissioner and Deputy Lead Commissioner are absent, unable to act, or their positions are vacant, the Minister may designate another commissioner as acting Lead Commissioner for up to 90 days; longer appointments require Governor in Council approval.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Information confidential
Inspection officers under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act are prohibited from disclosing confidential information about secret processes or trade secrets obtained during regulatory duties, except when disclosure is necessary for Act purposes or required by law.
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.
Correction or cancellation of notice of violation
Under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act section 126, a designated person may cancel a notice of violation or correct errors within it at any time before the Commission receives a review request regarding that notice.
Inconsistencies
Section 43 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes regulatory hierarchy, providing that instructions issued under section 41 and measures taken under section 42(1) take precedence over rules made under section 35 in cases of conflict or inconsistency.
Canadian Energy Regulator
Establishes the Canadian Energy Regulator as a federal Crown corporation and agent of Canada with its head office in Calgary, Alberta. The CEO may open or close additional offices after consulting the board of directors, with such administrative changes not affecting existing director or commissioner appointments.
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.
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.
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.
Effect of appeal
An appeal of a Canadian Energy Regulator order does not automatically suspend enforcement, but the Commission may exercise discretion to grant a stay of the order pending the appeal's outcome.
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.
Regulations
The Canadian Energy Regulator may establish regulations designating contraventions of the CER Act, permits, orders, and conditions as enforceable violations subject to administrative penalties up to $25,000 for individuals and $100,000 for other persons. Regulations will specify penalty determination methods and service procedures.
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.
Role of Chief Executive Officer
Section 23 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes the Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities for managing the regulator's day-to-day operations and supervising employees, while explicitly prohibiting direction of specific Commission decisions. The CEO holds deputy head rank with corresponding departmental powers, and interim executives may serve up to 90 days pending Governor in Council approval.
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.
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.
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.
Designation
The Governor in Council must designate one full-time commissioner as Lead Commissioner and another as Deputy Lead Commissioner of the Canadian Energy Regulator.
For greater certainty
Section 25 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act clarifies that the Chief Executive Officer must provide support services and facilities necessary for the Commission to exercise its regulatory powers and perform its duties.
Quorum
Three commissioners constitute a quorum of the Canadian Energy Regulator Commission, subject to exceptions specified in sections 42(2), 45-47, and 48(2) of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act.
Powers of Regulator
Section 116 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act grants the Regulator authority to establish standardized forms and short-form descriptions for violation notices, permits the Commission to designate persons to conduct regulatory reviews, and allows the Chief Executive Officer to designate officers authorized to issue violation notices.
Power to act on own initiative
The Canadian Energy Regulator may independently initiate inquiries, hearings, and determinations on any matter within its statutory jurisdiction without requiring an external application or complaint.
Burden of proof
Under Canadian Energy Regulator Act section 129, when a violation notice is reviewed, the issuing authority must establish on a balance of probabilities that the named person committed the identified violation.
Certificate
The Canadian Energy Regulator Commission may issue certificates of non-payment for unpaid debts. When registered in Federal Court or any other competent court, these certificates have the same legal force and effect as court judgments for the certified amount plus registration costs.
Application — Special Act lands
Under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, any provision or regulation that applies to ordinary lands automatically extends to Special Act lands, ensuring uniform regulatory oversight and compliance requirements across all land categories within the regulator's jurisdiction.
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.
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.
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.
Measures to meet time limit
Section 42 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act grants the Lead Commissioner authority to take administrative measures to ensure prescribed time limits for energy applications are met, including removing or reassigning commissioners, adjusting panel composition, or designating a single commissioner to handle the application.
Change in composition of panel
Administrative provision establishing that when a regulatory panel's composition changes, all evidence and representations previously submitted remain valid and binding on the Canadian Energy Regulator unless formally reviewed, varied, or rescinded by 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.
Vacancy
A vacancy on the board of directors of the Canadian Energy Regulator does not impair the authority or legal right of the remaining directors to act and conduct business.
Jurisdiction — Inuvialuit Settlement Region
The Canadian Energy Regulator has regulatory jurisdiction over onshore oil and gas operations in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region of the Northwest Territories until March 31, 2034. After that date, continued federal regulation requires mutual agreement between Canada and the Northwest Territories, renewable in successive 20-year periods or subject to earlier termination by agreement.
Purpose of Act
The Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes federal regulatory authority over pipelines, power lines, offshore renewable energy facilities, and oil and gas exploration and exploitation. It mandates safe, secure, and efficient construction, operation, and abandonment while protecting people, property, and the environment, regulates energy product trade, and ensures fair, transparent, and efficient regulatory decision-making processes.
Members of Tribunal
Section 146 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act specifies the composition and appointment of the Tribunal. The Tribunal must have at least three members appointed by the Governor in Council on ministerial recommendation for terms up to five years. Members must be retired superior court judges or legal professionals with at least 10 years standing at a provincial bar or Quebec notary chamber. The Governor in Council may appoint replacements and sets member compensation.
Payment
Under Canadian Energy Regulator Act section 130, payment of a penalty specified in a notice of violation constitutes an admission of the violation and terminates all related proceedings.
Notice of non-compliance
Section 108 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act authorizes inspection officers to issue written notices of non-compliance when they have reasonable grounds to believe a person has violated the Act or its regulations. Notices must identify the recipient, describe the alleged violation with relevant facts and applicable provisions, and provide a defined period for the recipient to submit comments in response.
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.
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.
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.
Short title
This is the short title clause of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, establishing the official name of Canada's primary federal legislation for regulatory oversight and approval of energy projects.