On behalf of Canada Energy Regulator OPR and FM Project Team –
Engagement for Phase 2 of the Canada Energy Regulator Onshore Pipeline Regulations (OPR) and the Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment and Lands portion of the Filing Manuals officially launched today (17 June 2024) and will be open for six months.
Background
In January 2022, the Canada Energy Regulator (CER) launched a multi-year process to improve our regulatory framework for onshore pipelines and the Filing Manuals. To read more about this initiative and what we heard in Phase 1 engagements, please see: CER – OPR Review (cer-rec.gc.ca).
In June 2023, after the launch, on behalf of the Government of Canada, the Department of Justice published the United Nations (UN) Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Canada’s Action Plan(the Action Plan). Measure 34 of the Action Plan includes a commitment regarding consulting and cooperating with First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities, governments and organizations to amend the OPR and FM.
Phase 2 Overview
To better inform our future regulatory proposal, the CER will be seeking feedback based on the following topic papers:
- Damage Prevention
- Deactivation and End of Lifecycle
- Emergency Management
- Environmental Protection
- Filing Manual – Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment
- Filing Manual – Lands
- Filing Manual – Rights and Interests of Indigenous Peoples
- Human and Organizational Factors
- Management Systems and Contractor Management
- OPR – Rights and Interests of Indigenous Peoples, Socio-Economic Effects, Engagement
- Pipeline Integrity
- Reporting Harm
- Safety
Funding Opportunities – Indigenous Peoples
There are funding opportunities for Indigenous groups to assist with participating in the Phase 2 review. The funding approach and maximums are outlined on the Funding to Support the Review of the OPR webpage.
CER will also offer general information sessions (virtual) that include information on submitting a proposal for funding. Registration can be found on the OPR/FM CER Dialogue Page under “Funding Opportunities – Indigenous Peoples”.
Applicants have from 17 June to 16 August 2024 (60 calendar days) to submit funding proposals.
Phase 2 Timeline
| Session | Dates Offered |
| Information Sessions – English | July 2,11,16 |
| Information Sessions – French | July 4,9,18 |
| Information Sessions with additional details on how to submit a funding proposal – English | July 2,11,16 |
| Information Sessions with additional details on how to submit a funding proposal – French | July 4,9,18 |
| Topic-Specific Information Sessions and/or Workshops | Fall – Winter |
Would you like to attend a virtual information session? These information sessions will provide general information about the engagement process of Phase 2, the topic papers, and how to submit feedback.
Please visit the OPR/FM CER Dialogue Page to register!
If you have any questions, please contact the OPR/Filing Manuals project team at opr-rpt@cer-rec.gc.ca.