Status: Open
This engagement is open for comments until January 30, 2026.
On this page
- Background
- Purpose of engagement
- What we heard from our previous engagement
- We want your feedback on designated officer regulations under the CER Act
The Canadian Energy Regulator Act
The Government of Canada is committed to a modern energy regulatory system that accelerates nation-building projects, streamlining regulatory approvals, supporting the interests of Indigenous Peoples, and advancing energy leadership in both clean and conventional sectors, to position Canada as a global energy superpower.
The Canadian Energy Regulator Act (CER Act) established the Canada Energy Regulator (CER or Regulator) through Bill C-69.
Governance structure
The CER provides regulatory oversight over the full lifecycle of federal energy infrastructure including pipelines that cross interprovincial and international borders, international and designated interprovincial power lines, and offshore renewable energy projects.
The CER Act created a modern governance structure for the Regulator, including:
- an independent Commission whose role is to make recommendations and decisions regarding federally regulated infrastructure projects throughout the project’s lifecycle
- a Board of Directors is responsible for the governance of the Regulator, including the provision of strategic direction and advice
- a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for the management of the regulator's day-to-day business and affairs
The CER Act also provides authority for the Governor in Council to make regulations to delegate technical or administrative decisions to designated officers (DOs).
Designated officers
The DO Regulations would allow officers, designated by the CER’s CEO, to perform certain powers, duties, and functions of the Commission that are technical or administrative in nature, contributing to the efficient implementation of its responsibilities. Delegating certain tasks to DOs reduces administrative burden on the Commission, allowing it to focus on matters that involve broader political or economic pressures.
Purpose of engagement
Given the time elapsed since the Engagement Phase I, Engagement Phase II aims to re-engage all relevant partners, seeking to gather updated perspectives, concerns, and suggestions to ensure the proposal reflects current realities and stakeholder priorities.
Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses
This initiative will enhance operational efficiency and reduce regulatory burden, aligning with broader efforts to cut red tape and streamline government processes.
Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)
As part of their overall engagement efforts, departmental staff have consulted with provincial and federal regulators with similar delegation programs to learn best practices and help inform regulatory development and implementation plans. For more information, the CER Act can be found here: Canadian Energy Regulator Act.
Who are we engaging?
- industry
- stakeholders
- Indigenous peoples
- trading partners
- other government departments and agencies, including provincial, territorial and municipal
- all other interested parties
What we heard from our previous engagement
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and the National Energy Board released a Discussion paper: designated officer regulations (M4-173/2018E) on the regulatory proposal on October 15, 2018, and an opportunity to provide input and comments was provided until November 28, 2018. A summary of what we heard is available in the report below.
We want your feedback on designated officer regulation under the CER Act
We are seeking updated perspectives on the Discussion Paper. Your input will help the proposed approach to reflect current realities and priorities. Comments will be accepted from December 17, 2025, to January 30, 2026.
Contact us
Veronique Houle, Director
Fuels Sector
Natural Resources Canada
designatedofficer-responsablesdesignes@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca