Onshore Pipeline Regulations (OPR)

Background

The Canada Energy Regulator has initiated a review of the Onshore Pipeline Regulations (OPR), which are the main regulations we use to oversee pipelines in Canada. The regulations, made under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, establish the requirements for companies to manage safety, security and environmental protection throughout the entire lifecycle of their facilities, from design, through to construction, operation and abandonment.

The CER’s objective for the OPR Review is to deliver a regulation that supports the highest level of safety, security and environmental protection, advances Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, addresses transparency and inclusive participation, provides for predictable and timely oversight and encourages innovation.

Early Engagement

The CER is taking a phased approach to the review, with multiple opportunities for engagement. In the first phase of engagement, conducted in early 2022, the CER held information sessions and sought feedback on a Discussion Paper with 29 questions for consideration. A description of the review and overview of the Discussion Paper can be found here.

Feedback Received

The CER received 97 submissions in response to the Discussion Paper, including from Indigenous groups (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit), regulated companies, municipalities, government departments and other interested parties. A summary of what we heard in phase one of engagement [PDF 2093 KB] has been posted, along with all submissions received.

Upcoming Engagement and Funding Opportunities

We are carefully reviewing all input received as we prepare for the next phase of our work. In 2023 we will begin working through the specific issues which were identified in order to inform broad improvements to our regulatory framework; this includes updates to our regulations, guidance documents like the Filing Manual, and also our processes. We will be seeking feedback from you on how best to structure and sequence our next phase of engagement and we have secured funding to facilitate the continued participation of Indigenous peoples in this work.

This webpage will be updated when details on when and how to participate in phase two are available.