Engaging with Canadians on Emergency Response

• Public Comment Process
• Consultation Questions
• Emergency Management: An Overview
• Our Regulatory Expectations
• NEB Emergency Response
• NEB Treatment of Emergency Procedures Manuals
• Additional Information

The NEB is asking Canadians to participate in a public consultation on the transparency of emergency management information.

As Canada’s national energy regulator we have heard from Canadians coast to coast who have expressed concerns about the transparency of emergency management information should a pipeline incident occur. Specifically, the clarity and consistency of NEB Emergency Procedures Manual filing requirements, and our regulatory practices to verify that the public, municipalities, emergency responders, aboriginal groups and other stakeholders have the information they need, when they need it regarding pipeline emergency response.

Although complex, these matters are best discussed and understood by all in a public forum such as this public consultation.

The NEB is listening. Until June 25^th, 2015, a public consultation process will solicit the views of Canadians about emergency management and response including the type, and level, of emergency management information that is both protective of public safety and the environment and builds confidence in the NEB’s regulatory oversight.

We want to hear from you. First responders and emergency personnel, aboriginal groups, municipalities, environmental non-government organizations, individual Canadians and industry associations are encouraged to participate.

This NEB public consultation process will also include a review of the guidance developed by the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association, on behalf of its member companies, that will outline principles for transparency of emergency management information, scheduled for release later this spring.^{Footnote 1}

Public Comment Process

At its conclusion, the NEB will review all comments and will respond in a meaningful and measured way that reflects what we have heard and what is in the best interest of all Canadians.

Given its complexity, the NEB has prepared a section titled ‘Emergency Management: An Overview’ to help explain that the NEB’s role is to ensure that pipeline companies that we regulate operate safely and in the public interest throughout the pipeline lifecycle.

Consultation Questions

1. What information would help you better understand how prepared a company is to respond in the event of an emergency, beyond what is currently available?
2. What detail in Emergency Procedures Manuals is useful that would improve understanding amongst first responders and emergency personnel should a pipeline incident occur?
3. Please add any additional comments on the transparency and the availability of emergency management and response information that you feel we should hear.

Comments will be accepted electronically, by fax or letter mail until June 25, 2015.

Please provide your comments on emergency management and transparency online. You can also submit your comments to the NEB by contacting us at:

Attention: Emergency Management Consultations

National Energy Board
517 Tenth Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta  T2R 0A8
Fax: 403-292-5503
Electronically: BUOPS.EMS-GMUS@neb-one.gc.ca

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