Policy Matters
CEPA is actively engaged on its own or with other industry associations on a number of policy and regulatory initiatives that have an impact on the transmission pipeline industry. Our overall approach to policy work rests on the following guiding principles:
- Policy coherence across departments
- Accountability and good decision making
- Appropriate metrics and monitoring
Efforts have focused on options and advocacy for regulatory change with respect to five pieces of federal legislation that directly affect the pipeline industry (both federally and provincially). These are:
- Canadian Environmental Assessment Act
- Species At Risk Act
- Migratory Birds Convention Act
- Navigable Waters Protection Act
- Fisheries Act
In addition to these specific legislative matters, CEPA continues to be a strong supporter of the mandate of the Major Project Management Office (MPMO), an office focused on improving the coordination between federal departments and agencies responsible for specific regulatory requirements on major natural resource based projects including pipeline projects. A key concern to the industry in the context of major projects is the need for better federal coordination and more predictable process associated with crown consultation on matters associated with Aboriginal rights and titles.
Damage Prevention
External interference is the fourth most common type of failure on pipelines. When they happen, they can lead to the loss of life, serious injury and/or significant environmental impact.
CEPA is a staunch supporter of three key initiatives that will reduce the risk of third party damage of pipelines:
- Implementation of a three digit call number similar to the 811 number established in the US
- Implementation of mandatory one call across Canada. When established, this regulation would require any party planning to dig near a pipeline to call before it digs. This would allow the operator to locate the line and provide safe excavation procedures to the excavator in advance of the digging.
- Implementation of enforcement rules. This would provide regulators and other agencies responsible for pipeline safety the authority to fine parties that have not followed prescribed one call and excavations rules.