Government Appoints Temporary Members to National Energy Board

OTTAWA, Oct. 20, 2016 /CNW/ - Seeking and hearing the views of Canadians and ensuring that regulatory decisions are based in science and the traditional knowledge of Indigenous peoples are at the core of the Government of Canada's interim approach to major projects currently under regulatory review.

As promised when the Government's interim approach was announced in January, and following an open advertised process, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Jim Carr, has announced the appointment of four temporary members to the National Energy Board (NEB). In June, the NEB announced that it would assign temporary members to travel along the proposed Energy East pipeline route to carry out enhanced community and Indigenous engagement.

The following people have been appointed and may be assigned by the NEB to carry out this community and Indigenous engagement: Damien Côté, of Quebec; Ronald Durelle, of New Brunswick; Wilma Jacknife, of Alberta; and Alain Jolicoeur, of Ontario.

Three additional, fully bilingual temporary board members are currently being recruited. Subject to Governor-in-Council approval, they will be appointed in the coming weeks and are expected to be assigned to the Energy East review panel.

Under the National Energy Board Act, the Board Chair or Acting Chair is responsible for assigning members to specific duties. 

All of the appointments were made following the Government's new process for appointments to commissions, boards, Crown corporations, agencies and tribunals.

Quotes

"Major resource projects must go through a thorough technical review and engagement and consultation process. I am confident these four individuals will ensure the process is thorough and I encourage Canadians to take part in the Energy East review process as this will help inform our decision."

Jim Carr
Canada's Minister of Natural Resources

Associated Links:

Backgrounder - National Energy Board Temporary Members Biographies

Governor in Council Appointment Process Overview

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

Media may contact: Alexandre Deslongchamps, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Natural Resources, 343-292-6837; Media Relations, Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa, 343-292-6100