The CER, Energy Projects, and Indigenous Peoples

The CER, Energy Projects, and Indigenous Peoples [PFD 2054 KB]

Family looking at pictures on a table and two land surveyors wearing PPE on construction site looking at map beside surveying tripod.

The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) oversees federally regulated pipelines, power lines, and offshore renewable energy projects.

Icons: pipeline, power line, wind turbine

The CER strives to build meaningful relationships with Indigenous Peoples across Canada who might be affected by facilities we regulate.

When you hear from a company about a proposed project, you may have questions and concerns. We understand.

Be part of the project – work with the company

Two CER employees sitting for an informal meeting with two Indigenous individuals. They are discussing various printed information sheets.

Contact the company first. Your questions and concerns help shape the company’s project. Companies are required to listen and respond to your comments and concerns. They must identify the possible effects on Indigenous Peoples and the environment when it applies to the CER.

  • Early engagement: We expect companies to engage early about a project and to demonstrate to us how it considered the information it gathered. Let the company know whether the project may affect you. The company will let potentially affected people and communities know when it files an application with the CER.
  • Indigenous and Treaty rights: Companies are expected to consider the potential effects of the project on the rights of Indigenous Peoples and mitigate these effects.

CER project review – be heard

Before the company can build or abandon a federally regulated pipeline, power line, or offshore renewable energy project, it must apply to the CER. We will review and assess the proposed project, including the company’s engagement activities and potential impacts to Indigenous Peoples and the environment.

  • Crown consultation: We will consult with Indigenous Peoples early and throughout our review process. The scope and nature of the Crown consultation activities will be tailored to the complexity of the proposed project and its potential effects, and the needs of Indigenous Peoples. If you have questions, email IndigenousMatters@cer-rec.gc.ca.
  • Statement of concern: We rely on you to bring forward your concerns and views. If you have concerns about a project, you can send us a Statement of concern form [PDF 227 KB] within 21 days after the application has been filed with the CER. Your concerns will guide the CER in planning
  • Applications and projects: The CER may hold a public hearing for facilities applications. If you have questions about the hearing process, contact a process advisor. Participant funding may be available for early engagement with the CER and participating in a hearing.

Caribou

CER processes in place to help you

Safety is everyone’s responsibility

Safety is everyone’s responsibility. For us, it is our job. Protecting you and the environment is the CER’s priority. Here are a few things you should know.

Damage prevention: If you live or work near a pipeline, find out how to safely do your activities. Before you dig near a pipeline, get the company’s consent. Visit Click Before You Dig to locate buried pipelines or utility lines.

Compliance and enforcement: CER inspection officers regularly go out into the field to verify and enforce requirements and standards in place to keep people and the environment protected.

Emergency management: In an emergency, we make sure companies respond in a way that protects people, property, and the environment. We expect them to take the action needed to stop spills, manage the incident, and clean up and pay for any damage done.

Find out more

Find out more about the Canada Energy Regulator
by visiting us online.

Be sure to follow us on social media for the latest updates.

For copies of any CER publication or for more information, contact us:

ONLINE: www.cer-rec.gc.ca
EMAIL: info@cer-rec.gc.ca
TOLL FREE: 1-800-899-1265

Write us or visit our library at:

Canada Energy Regulator
210-517 10 Ave SW
Calgary AB  T2R 0A8

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