How Should Pipeline Companies Oversee Their Contractors?

Official title: Draft Contractor Oversight Guidance

Open Regulations & Permits Economy & Jobs Natural Resources

The Canada Energy Regulator wants feedback on draft guidance for how pipeline companies should oversee their contractors. This isn't about new rules—it's about clarifying what's already required under existing regulations. The guidance focuses on training, competency verification, and communication between companies and contractors.

Why This Matters

Work near a pipeline? This affects how companies ensure the people working on that infrastructure are properly trained and supervised. Pipeline incidents can affect nearby communities, so contractor oversight matters for safety.

What Could Change

The final guidance will be released in early 2026. Pipeline companies will have clearer expectations for how they verify contractor competency and training. A workshop may follow to discuss best practices with industry.

Key Issues

Is the guidance clear about what's required for contractor oversight?
Are the three focus areas (competency, verification, communication) the right ones?
What other contractor oversight topics need guidance?
Would industry benefit from a workshop on this guidance?

How to Participate

Review the draft Contractor Oversight Guidance on the consultation page.
Submit your comments using the survey at the bottom of the consultation page, or email contractor.oversight.guidance@cer-rec.gc.ca.

Submit Your Input

Complete The Contractor Oversight Feedback Survey Draft Email

Email Template

Dear Canada Energy Regulator,

I am writing to provide feedback on the Draft Contractor Oversight Guidance.

I [support / have concerns about] this guidance because:
[Your reason]

My connection to this issue:
[Your background or interest in pipeline contractor oversight]

On the clarity of the guidance:
[Is it clear what is required? Examples?]

On the three focus areas (competency, verification, communication):
[Are these relevant? What's missing?]

Other topics needing guidance:
[Your suggestions]

Interest in a workshop:
[Would you attend? Who else from your organization?]

Additional comments:
[Any other feedback]

Thank you for considering my input.

Sincerely,
[Your name]

Questions Being Asked (5)

Is the document written and presented in a way that provides clear guidance on what is required? Please provide examples.
Are the three contractor oversight topics (Competency and Training, Competency Verification and Supervision, and Communication) relevant to the issues you have encountered?
Are there other contractor oversight topics where guidance is needed?
After reading this guidance package, would you be interested in attending a workshop? How many people would be attending and what types of backgrounds would they bring?
Do you have any additional comments?