Scenario Note - Briefing Binder for CER Appearance at the House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources

Context

• The committee is beginning its study on the topic of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP); specifically, the cost overruns related to the project, divestment plans, and implications on future Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. The CER had been invited to attend this committee in June 2024, but the meeting was cancelled.
• Early discussions point to an interest in examining the increased production capacity and resulting impact on GHG emissions, the economic viability of the project, toll-fees, and how Canada’s regulatory framework for natural resource projects impacts our global competitiveness and national economy.
• This will be the committee’s first meeting on this study. For later meetings, the committee plans to invite the Parliamentary Budget Officer, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and other experts in the economy and environment (Whether these invites have been accepted has not been confirmed yet).
• A report will be tabled at the end of this study likely in Fall of 2024, and a Government Response is to be requested.

Day of Committee Appearance

First Hour: 11:00 am to 12:00pm (EST)

Environmental Defence Canada

• Julia Levin, Senior Climate and Energy Program Manager (by videoconference)

Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer

• Yves Giroux, Parliamentary Budget Officer
• Jason Stanton, Advisor and Analyst

Second Hour: 12:00 pm to 1:00pm (EST)

Canada Energy Regulator

• Tracy Sletto, Chief Executive Officer
• Genevieve Carr, Executive Vice-President, Transparency and Strategic Engagement
• Chris Loewen, Executive Vice-President, Regulatory

Committee Procedure

• Each organization will begin with 5 minutes of opening remarks. The committee will then proceed to questions and answers. In the House of Commons, the questioning tends to be more formal than in the Senate. Time limits are strictly enforced and Members will engage in heavy political maneuvering.
• The House of Commons has continued its hybrid sittings; however, most Members are strongly encouraged to be physically present. While it is unlikely, it is still possible one or two Members participate virtually.

Committee Environment & Context

• RNNR has a total membership of 12 Members of Parliament. The committee is composed of 6 Liberals (including the Chair), 4 Conservatives, 1 Bloc Québécois, and 1 New Democrat. A profile of the committee, with bios and intel on each member, has been provided.
• Due to the highly political nature of the topic, the tone of the debate on this motion has been quite partisan.

Date modified:

2025-01-08