Commissioner, Canadian Energy Regulator

Located in Calgary, Alberta, the Canada Energy Regulator (Canadian Energy Regulator, CER) is an independent energy lifecycle regulator responsible for federally regulated pipelines and power lines, energy development and trade.

The Commission of the CER is an adjudicative body making energy regulation decisions. The Commission makes recommendations independently or through the Governor-in-Council regarding the approval, variance, suspension and revocation of pipelines, power lines, and offshore renewable energy development. It ensures that federal regulation of pipelines, power lines, energy development and energy trade contribute to the safety of Canadians, the protection of the environment, and efficient energy infrastructure and markets, while respecting the rights and interests of those affected by the Regulator’s decisions and recommendations. This includes respecting the Government of Canada’s commitments with regard to the rights of Indigenous peoples.

The Commission has all the powers, rights and privileges vested in a superior court of record with respect to any matters within its jurisdiction, including the attendance, swearing and examination of witnesses, the production and inspection of documents, the enforcement of its orders and the entry on, and inspection of, property. Its decisions are subject to judicial review.

Commissioners have the authority to make decisions to fulfill the mandate of the Commission as stated above.

Diversity and Official Languages

We are committed to providing a healthy and accessible workplace that supports one’s dignity, self-esteem and the ability to work on one’s full potential. With this in mind, all appointees will be expected to take steps to promote and maintain a healthy, respectful, inclusive and harassment-free work environment.

Preference may be given to applicants who are members of one or more of the following groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of a visible minority group.

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing applicants. You are therefore encouraged to include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand your second official language. Please also include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand another language, such as an Indigenous language.

Education and Experience

• A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training and/or experience;


• A degree in business/commerce, engineering, human resources, communications, economics and finance, emergency management and security, data science or technology, land matters and land use, Northern affairs, management systems, public administration or law, including Indigenous governance or law, would be considered an asset;


• Experience in a private or public sector organization, at a senior level;


• Experience in dealing with energy-related economic, engineering, social, safety, environmental issues;


• Experience in the development of strategies, objectives, plans and best practices, and the development and/or application of legislative and regulatory frameworks or policies;


• Experience in dealing with and/or working in regulatory agencies or quasi-judicial administrative tribunals;


• Experience in making complex decisions, usually involving large amounts of technical evidence, and the need to balance the interest and rights of a diverse range of stakeholders and Indigenous peoples and/or communities;


• Experience in building relationships, promoting partnerships and working with Indigenous Peoples and communities or other stakeholder groups, such as government, industry and non-governmental organizations;


• Experience in governance as it relates to equity, diversity and inclusion, would be considered an asset;


• Experience in the Canadian or international energy sector, including environmental protection and safety, or in the energy industry, would be considered an asset;


• Experience in government, information technology and risk, or in finance, would be considered an asset; and


• Experience in working with Indigenous peoples in relation to development environmental assessment and/or environmental protection, would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and activities of the CER, as well as its legislative framework and the regulatory and business environment within which the Commission operates;


• Knowledge of the functioning of energy markets and the energy sector, as well as professional knowledge of economics, engineering, environmental science, Indigenous knowledge, community development, finance and law;


• Knowledge of the rights of the Indigenous people (section 35 of the Constitution Act), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the principles respecting the Government of Canada’s relationship with Indigenous peoples;


• Awareness of Indigenous knowledge systems, as well as Indigenous people’s issues, concerns and priorities, as the relate to development, environmental assessment and/or environmental protection;


• Knowledge of administrative law, principles of natural justice, and the rules and practices followed by adjudicative tribunals in Canada, as well as the roles, responsibilities and powers of an adjudicative body, such as the Commission;


• Knowledge of the requirements and accountabilities associated with a federal lifecycle energy regulator;


• Ability to sustain a very high level of sensory attention in assessing complex situations, documents and submissions, both orally and in written form;


• Ability to understand and interpret complex technical information and evidence across a broad range of disciplines and bodies of knowledge;


• Ability to find innovative and factual solutions based on scientific assessments, analysis, interpretation and evolution of information and to address real or potential situations requiring action;


• Ability to make timely decisions that are based on science, facts and evidence, Indigenous knowledge, and free of political interference and industry influence. This work would be done within a timeframe bound by legislated time limits and service standards; and


• Superior communications skills, both written and oral including the ability to write clear and concise reports, analyses, and decisions.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• High ethical standards and integrity


• Respect, fairness and impartiality


• Sound judgment, tact and discretion


• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills


• Leadership, inclusivity and collegiality

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

• Appointees must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout their appointment as a term and condition of employment. The guidelines are available on the Governor in Council Appointments website under the Forms and reference material.


• All appointees are subject to the Conflict of Interest Act. Public office holders appointed on a full-time basis must also submit to the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics within 60 days of appointment, a confidential report in which they disclose all of their assets, liabilities and outside activities. For more information, please visit the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner's website.


• Appointees must uphold the highest standards of probity and are expected to demonstrate behaviours in the workplace that afford respect, equality and dignity, to everyone they interact with at work at all times. The Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector outlines the values and expected behaviours for public servants, including valuing diversity and creating workplaces free from harassment and discrimination. Governor in Council appointees are expected to uphold and respect these values and principles in a positive and active manner.


• Preference will be given to Indigenous applicants, noting that there is a statutory requirement, through the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, that at least one of the full-time commissioner must be an Indigenous person. (statutory)


• A person is not eligible to be a Commissioner if they are not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada, as defined in subsection 2(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Act. (statutory)


• Under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, a person is not eligible to be a Commissioner if they are a Director of the Board. (statutory)


• Under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, and for the purposes of the Conflict of Interest Act, the circumstances in which a commissioner is in a conflict of interest while exercising the powers or performing the duties and functions of a commissioner include:
  
  
  
  • engaging in, as owner, shareholder, director, officer, partner or in any other way, the business of producing, selling, buying, transmitting, exporting, importing or otherwise dealing in hydrocarbons, electricity or offshore energy;
  
  
  • holding any bond, debenture or other security of a corporation engaged in any such business; and
  
  
  • holding other employment that is inconsistent with their powers, duties and functions or with any provision of this Act or a regulation made under it. (statutory)
  
  
  
  


• Preference may be given to applicants who are members of one or more of the following groups: women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of a visible minority group.


• Appointees must comply with the principles of the Code of Conduct for Canada Energy Regulator Employees.


• Appointees must be willing to travel across Canada for hearings and meetings that can be outside of core hours.

A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment.

A list of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar opportunities.

How to Apply

Review of applications (more information available here) will begin on October 4, 2023. Candidates should apply online via the Governor in Council Appointments website. Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their applications by this date. After this date, your application will be retained and may be considered up until an appointment to the position is made. Your cover letter should be addressed to the Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office, and should be sent only through the online application.

Instructions on how to apply for an appointment opportunity can be found on the Governor in Council Appointments website.