How Should Energy Hearings Work? Rules Review for Pipeline and Power Projects
Official title: Rules of Practice and Procedure Review
Why This Matters
Ever wondered how decisions get made about pipelines or power lines near your community? These rules determine who gets to speak at hearings and how complaints are handled. If you've felt shut out of energy project decisions, this affects how accessible those processes will be.
What Could Change
The updated rules will govern how the CER conducts hearings, processes applications, and handles complaints. Timelines for decisions could become more predictable. Indigenous participation requirements may be strengthened to align with reconciliation commitments in the CER Act.
Key Issues
- How should hearing procedures be modernized while maintaining fairness?
- How can processes be made more predictable and timely for all parties?
- How should Indigenous reconciliation commitments be reflected in the rules?
How to Participate
- Read the Summary Report of Phase I feedback to understand what others have said.
- Email your feedback on the Summary Report to rppr@cer-rec.gc.ca by November 19, 2025.
What Happened
Phase I Early Engagement received 56 written submissions from Indigenous Nations, communities, organizations, industry, legal representatives and other interested parties. A Summary Report has been published summarizing the diversity of perspectives shared. Funding was provided to eligible Indigenous Peoples to support their participation.