The Canada Energy Regulator’s Indigenous Advisory Committee (IAC) and Board of Directors – have co-developed and, at a joint meeting in early February, co-endorsed the Committee’s Terms of Reference. This represents a key milestone in the Committee’s development, as it begins its important and groundbreaking work with the CER.

As set out in the foundational document, the Committee’s work and advice will be grounded in advancing reconciliation by helping to transform the relationship between the CER and the Indigenous peoples of Canada. Its advice will bring a broader perspective to the CER reflecting the worldviews of First Nations, the Métis Nation and Inuit. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, and the Principles Respecting the Government of Canada’s Relationship with Indigenous peoples will form the foundation, and provide the roadmap, for the Committee’s work.

The Committee’s integral role within the CER’s new governance structure will allow for the development of strong relationships between the Committee and the CER. These relationships will help build trust and mutual capacity, and provide an opportunity for frank discussions, shared learnings, and the promotion of positive systemic change within the CER and its regulated industry.

While the Committee will provide advice to the CER’s Board of Directors at a broad and strategic level, it will have tangible impacts in the day-to-day operations of the regulator. The CER will, for example, seek the Committee’s advice on approaches to Indigenous peoples’ involvement in CER compliance and oversight activities, and on the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples within the CER’s mandate. This advice will bring meaningful changes to the way the CER works, including in its oversight, expectations and requirements of the CER’s regulated companies.
https://www.cer-rec.gc.ca/en/about/who-we-are-what-we-do/organization-structure/indigenous-advisory-committee/terms-reference.html