Onshore Pipeline Regulations Review

The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) is conducting a comprehensive review of the Canadian Energy Regulator Onshore Pipeline Regulations (OPR). The OPR are the main regulations the CER uses to oversee federally regulated pipelines in Canada throughout their lifecycle.

The objective of the review is to deliver a regulation that supports the highest level of safety, security and environmental protection, advances Reconciliation with First Nations, Métis and Inuit People, provides clarity and transparency about regulatory requirements to companies and the public, encourages innovation, and improves efficiency by providing predictable, timely and inclusive oversight of energy projects.

The OPR and Filing Manuals (FM) were reviewed together during phase 2 to coordinate feedback and reduce duplication. They are now proceeding separately to reflect their different purposes and timelines. Please see the "Background Information" document in the right column of this page for further information about the OPR and FM reviews.

Current Status

Phase 3 engagement on the review of the OPR is now anticipated to launch early 2027.

This next phase of engagement will include a regulatory proposal which will detail the proposed changes to the OPR. This includes measures to improve clarity, modernize and align approaches with other safety regulators, reduce duplication and unnecessary regulatory burden, and strengthen protections for people and First Nations, Métis and Inuit People rights.

Phase 2 Engagement Summary

  • Engagement period June 17, 2024 - March 31, 2025
  • The CER received 125 submissions and more than 3,500 responses to the topic papers.
  • Hosted virtual general and topic-specific information sessions.
  • Provided $2.6 million in grants and contributions to support 50 Indigenous-led engagement activities.
  • Participated in engagement sessions hosted by funding recipients, when requested.
  • Supported engagement workshops held during the annual line-wide gatherings of the Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committees for the Trans Mountain Expansion and Enbridge Line 3.

Feedback received can be found here: Onshore Pipeline Regulations and Filing Manuals Review Project - Archives.

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

On 21 June 2023, the Department of Justice published the Government of Canada’s Action Plan to achieve the objectives of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration), and to identify measures needed to ensure federal laws are consistent with the UN Declaration. The Action Plan provides a roadmap of actions Canada needs to take in partnership with Indigenous peoples to implement the principles and rights set out in the UN Declaration and to further advance reconciliation in a tangible way. Shared Priority 34 of the Action Plan explicitly references the Review of the OPR and can be read here.

Stay Informed

People who have registered for project updates or participated in the OPR review will be notified before Phase 3 engagement begins. Updates, timelines and opportunities to participate and apply for funding will continue to be posted on CER Dialogue.

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Feedback submitted is posted publicly on the CER’s website for the OPR at CER Act – Regulations, Guidance Notes and Related Documents - Canadian Energy Regulator Onshore Pipeline Regulations. Note that contact information for individuals has been redacted for the sake of privacy.

The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) is conducting a comprehensive review of the Canadian Energy Regulator Onshore Pipeline Regulations (OPR). The OPR are the main regulations the CER uses to oversee federally regulated pipelines in Canada throughout their lifecycle.

The objective of the review is to deliver a regulation that supports the highest level of safety, security and environmental protection, advances Reconciliation with First Nations, Métis and Inuit People, provides clarity and transparency about regulatory requirements to companies and the public, encourages innovation, and improves efficiency by providing predictable, timely and inclusive oversight of energy projects.

The OPR and Filing Manuals (FM) were reviewed together during phase 2 to coordinate feedback and reduce duplication. They are now proceeding separately to reflect their different purposes and timelines. Please see the "Background Information" document in the right column of this page for further information about the OPR and FM reviews.

Current Status

Phase 3 engagement on the review of the OPR is now anticipated to launch early 2027.

This next phase of engagement will include a regulatory proposal which will detail the proposed changes to the OPR. This includes measures to improve clarity, modernize and align approaches with other safety regulators, reduce duplication and unnecessary regulatory burden, and strengthen protections for people and First Nations, Métis and Inuit People rights.

Phase 2 Engagement Summary

  • Engagement period June 17, 2024 - March 31, 2025
  • The CER received 125 submissions and more than 3,500 responses to the topic papers.
  • Hosted virtual general and topic-specific information sessions.
  • Provided $2.6 million in grants and contributions to support 50 Indigenous-led engagement activities.
  • Participated in engagement sessions hosted by funding recipients, when requested.
  • Supported engagement workshops held during the annual line-wide gatherings of the Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committees for the Trans Mountain Expansion and Enbridge Line 3.

Feedback received can be found here: Onshore Pipeline Regulations and Filing Manuals Review Project - Archives.

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

On 21 June 2023, the Department of Justice published the Government of Canada’s Action Plan to achieve the objectives of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration), and to identify measures needed to ensure federal laws are consistent with the UN Declaration. The Action Plan provides a roadmap of actions Canada needs to take in partnership with Indigenous peoples to implement the principles and rights set out in the UN Declaration and to further advance reconciliation in a tangible way. Shared Priority 34 of the Action Plan explicitly references the Review of the OPR and can be read here.

Stay Informed

People who have registered for project updates or participated in the OPR review will be notified before Phase 3 engagement begins. Updates, timelines and opportunities to participate and apply for funding will continue to be posted on CER Dialogue.

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Feedback submitted is posted publicly on the CER’s website for the OPR at CER Act – Regulations, Guidance Notes and Related Documents - Canadian Energy Regulator Onshore Pipeline Regulations. Note that contact information for individuals has been redacted for the sake of privacy.

  • Update to OPR Review Timeline

    The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) is announcing that Phase 3* engagement on the review of the Onshore Pipeline Regulations (OPR) is now anticipated to launch in Winter 2026-27.

    The regulatory proposal will detail the proposed changes to the OPR, including measures to improve clarity, modernize and align approaches with other safety regulators, reduce duplication and unnecessary regulatory burden, and strengthen protections for people and Indigenous rights.

    Those who have registered for project updates, or have participated in the OPR Review to date, will be notified ahead of Phase 3 engagement being launched.

    *Please note that during Phase 3, engagement on the OPR will be separated from engagement on the Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment (ESA) and Lands Sections of the Filing Manuals and each will follow different timelines. Those who have registered for project updates or have participated in the review to date will be notified when more information is available. CER Dialogue will also be updated when the ESA and Lands sections of the Filing Manuals are available for comment.

    The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) is announcing that Phase 3* engagement on the review of the Onshore Pipeline Regulations (OPR) is now anticipated to launch in Winter 2026-27.

    The regulatory proposal will detail the proposed changes to the OPR, including measures to improve clarity, modernize and align approaches with other safety regulators, reduce duplication and unnecessary regulatory burden, and strengthen protections for people and Indigenous rights.

    Those who have registered for project updates, or have participated in the OPR Review to date, will be notified ahead of Phase 3 engagement being launched.

    *Please note that during Phase 3, engagement on the OPR will be separated from engagement on the Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment (ESA) and Lands Sections of the Filing Manuals and each will follow different timelines. Those who have registered for project updates or have participated in the review to date will be notified when more information is available. CER Dialogue will also be updated when the ESA and Lands sections of the Filing Manuals are available for comment.

  • Fall Update

    Thank you to those who participated in phase 2 engagement on the review of the OPR and FM. The CER is working towards a draft Regulatory Proposal. To maintain transparency, a preliminary timeline is posted below. This timeline is draft and subject to change.

    Fall 2025

    • Complete analysis of 3500+ comments received in Phase 2

    Winter/Spring 2026

    • Draft Regulatory Proposal and Filing Manual Changes
    • Phase 3 Engagement Planning

    Summer 2026

    • Prepare Engagement Materials
    • Issue Notice for Phase 3 Engagement

    Fall 2026

    • Launch Phase 3 Engagement
      • Duration: 90-days (to be determined)
      • Format: virtual information sessions and comment period; meetings available upon request.
      • Engagement Product: draft Regulatory Proposal.

    Thank you to those who participated in phase 2 engagement on the review of the OPR and FM. The CER is working towards a draft Regulatory Proposal. To maintain transparency, a preliminary timeline is posted below. This timeline is draft and subject to change.

    Fall 2025

    • Complete analysis of 3500+ comments received in Phase 2

    Winter/Spring 2026

    • Draft Regulatory Proposal and Filing Manual Changes
    • Phase 3 Engagement Planning

    Summer 2026

    • Prepare Engagement Materials
    • Issue Notice for Phase 3 Engagement

    Fall 2026

    • Launch Phase 3 Engagement
      • Duration: 90-days (to be determined)
      • Format: virtual information sessions and comment period; meetings available upon request.
      • Engagement Product: draft Regulatory Proposal.

  • Phase 2 - Archive

    The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) is seeking feedback for the Phase 2 review of the Onshore Pipeline Regulations (OPR) and the Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment and Lands portion of the Filing Manuals (FM).

    Important update: Submission deadline extended to March 31st, 2025.

    The OPR are the main regulations we use to oversee pipelines in Canada. The FM explains what to include in an application for a potential project.

    Phase 2 of the OPR/FM review launched on 17 June 2024. Engagement for this phase will take place from June to March 2025. The feedback collected will inform potential

    The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) is seeking feedback for the Phase 2 review of the Onshore Pipeline Regulations (OPR) and the Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment and Lands portion of the Filing Manuals (FM).

    Important update: Submission deadline extended to March 31st, 2025.

    The OPR are the main regulations we use to oversee pipelines in Canada. The FM explains what to include in an application for a potential project.

    Phase 2 of the OPR/FM review launched on 17 June 2024. Engagement for this phase will take place from June to March 2025. The feedback collected will inform potential improvements to both the OPR and FM as well as any other related guidance and internal processes. Feedback received will be posted 2025. The CER completed Phase 1 engagement in 2023. See our What We Heard Report to read about the key themes we heard in Phase 1.

    Please see the "Background Information" document in the right column of this page for further information about the OPR and FM review.

    Phase 2 Engagement Overview

    The CER is seeking feedback on various topics related to the OPR and FM. You can find information on each topic, as well as discussion questions, on the right side of this webpage, under the "Topic Papers" section.

    In June, the CER hosted virtual information sessions to provide general information about the CER, the OPR and FM review project, and the topic papers. Topic-specific information sessions were offered through September.

    The CER is now hosting on-demand workshops and meetings. Are you interested in attending or hosting a workshop focused on the OPR/FM review? Please contact opr_rpt@cer-rec.gc.ca.


    Completed CER-Led Workshops:

    • Industry Technical Engagement Workshop
      • 8-9 January 2025 (English) & 14-15 January 2025 (French).
    • Technical Heritage Resource Workshop
      • 13 -14 February (English & French).

    Indigenous Peoples


    The CER is looking to amend the OPR and the FM to incorporate specific localized knowledge held by Indigenous Peoples, as well as Indigenous laws, policies, practices and protocols. The CER is seeking to strengthen measures to prevent and address impacts to Indigenous rights and interests, including heritage resources and sites of Indigenous significance. If your community has thoughts to share on any of the topic papers, the CER would like to hear from you!

    The funding application deadline has passed. If you have any questions or require support, please contact the OPR/FM project team at opr_rpt@cer-rec.gc.ca.

    We Want to Hear from You

    You are welcome to provide feedback on whichever topic is of interest to you. You can choose to submit feedback by:

    • E-mail (opr_rpt@cer-rec.gc.ca)
    • Idea board (below)
    • Mailed letter (Mailing Address included on site)
    • Webform (right column of this page)
    • Audio recording.

    The deadline to provide written feedback is 31 March 2025.

    Feedback submitted will be posted publicly on the CER’s website for the OPR at CER Act – Regulations, Guidance Notes and Related Documents. Feedback received by the deadline will be considered in the review of the OPR.

  • Extension of Submission Deadline for Phase 2 – Onshore Pipeline Regulations and Filing Manuals Review

    The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) is extending the feedback period related to the review of the Onshore Pipeline Regulations (OPR) and the Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment and Lands portion of the Filing Manuals. After meeting and hearing from funding recipients and interested parties, we are extending the comment submission deadline to 31 March 2025.

    If you have received a contribution agreement, a CER representative will be in contact with you separately to amend it to reflect the new deadline. Of note, this will not impact your funding, and no change is required for grant recipients.

    The project webpage, which includes the topic papers, can be found here: https://www.cerdialogue.ca/opr.

    If you have any questions, please contact the OPR/Filing Manuals project team at opr-rpt@cer-rec.gc.ca.

    We thank you for your continued interest in participating in this important initiative and look forward to receiving your submissions.

    The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) is extending the feedback period related to the review of the Onshore Pipeline Regulations (OPR) and the Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment and Lands portion of the Filing Manuals. After meeting and hearing from funding recipients and interested parties, we are extending the comment submission deadline to 31 March 2025.

    If you have received a contribution agreement, a CER representative will be in contact with you separately to amend it to reflect the new deadline. Of note, this will not impact your funding, and no change is required for grant recipients.

    The project webpage, which includes the topic papers, can be found here: https://www.cerdialogue.ca/opr.

    If you have any questions, please contact the OPR/Filing Manuals project team at opr-rpt@cer-rec.gc.ca.

    We thank you for your continued interest in participating in this important initiative and look forward to receiving your submissions.

  • CER Regulatory Framework

    supporting image

    The Regulatory Framework, depicted in the graphic below, provides the structure around which all our regulatory activities take place. The Regulations, Regulatory Documents and Guidance are the regulatory tools we use to execute our mandate, through our Core Responsibilities. The execution of our mandate is shaped by Government policy, our governance, strategic priorities, and our regulatory approaches (Fact Sheet – CER Regulatory Framework).

    The Regulatory Framework, depicted in the graphic below, provides the structure around which all our regulatory activities take place. The Regulations, Regulatory Documents and Guidance are the regulatory tools we use to execute our mandate, through our Core Responsibilities. The execution of our mandate is shaped by Government policy, our governance, strategic priorities, and our regulatory approaches (Fact Sheet – CER Regulatory Framework).

  • Phase 1 - Archive

    Onshore Pipeline Regulations and Filing Manuals Update

    Background

    The Canada Energy Regulator has initiated a review of:

    • the Onshore Pipeline Regulations (OPR), and

    • the Environmental and Socio-Economic and Lands portion of the Filing Manuals (Filing Manuals).

    The OPR are the main regulations we use to oversee pipelines in Canada. The Filing Manuals explain what to include in an application for a potential project.

    The CER completed its first phase of engagement in 2023. Engagement will continue in 2024. The feedback collected will inform potential improvements to both regulatory instruments.

    Feedback Received

    In 2022, the

    Onshore Pipeline Regulations and Filing Manuals Update

    Background

    The Canada Energy Regulator has initiated a review of:

    • the Onshore Pipeline Regulations (OPR), and

    • the Environmental and Socio-Economic and Lands portion of the Filing Manuals (Filing Manuals).

    The OPR are the main regulations we use to oversee pipelines in Canada. The Filing Manuals explain what to include in an application for a potential project.

    The CER completed its first phase of engagement in 2023. Engagement will continue in 2024. The feedback collected will inform potential improvements to both regulatory instruments.

    Feedback Received

    In 2022, the CER received 97 submissions in response to the Discussion Paper(External link), including from Indigenous groups (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit), regulated companies, municipalities, government departments and other interested parties. In April 2023, the CER released a summary report(External link) to share the key themes we heard following engagement on a Discussion Paper(External link). Submissions received can also be read on the CER Dialogue website.

    UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Canada's Action Plan

    On 21 June 2023, the Department of Justice published the Government of Canada’s Action Plan(External link) to achieve the objectives of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration), and to identify measures needed to ensure federal laws are consistent with the UN Declaration. The Action Plan provides a roadmap of actions Canada needs to take in partnership with Indigenous peoples to implement the principles and rights set out in the UN Declaration and to further advance reconciliation in a tangible way. Measure 34 of the Action Plan explicitly references the Review of the OPR and Filing Manuals and can be read here(External link).

    We are working with the TMX Indigenous Caucus, NRCan and other Indigenous partners on how to implement Measure 34 and will be seeking input on how to achieve these objectives in upcoming engagement.

    Coming up in 2024

    In 2023, the CER focused on developing options to address the issues we heard to date and planning further engagement. Engagement in 2024 is being informed by feedback received to date, including learnings from a pilot workshop held in June with members of the Trans Mountain Expansion and the Line 3 Indigenous Advisory Monitoring Committees (IAMCs).

    We will be announcing funding and engagement opportunities in 2024, and will focus on the following topics:

    1. Emerging areas of oversight (designing requirements for socio-economic factors, rights and interests, and engagement),

    1. Improving oversight of and clarifying guidance for existing technical requirements (safety, security, environmental protection, etc.,) and

    1. Implementation considerations (Leveraging the use of Technical Guidance, and improving how we carry out oversight activities)

Page last updated: 03 Nov 2026, 12:38 PM