Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources

Issue 7 - Minutes of Proceedings - February 27, 2014

OTTAWA, Thursday, February 27, 2014
(14)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources met this day at 8:48 a.m., in room 257, East Block, the deputy chair, the Honourable Grant Mitchell presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Boisvenu, Frum, MacDonald, Massicotte, Mitchell, Patterson, Ringuette, Seidman, Sibbeston and Wallace (10).

In attendance: Sam Banks and Marc LeBlanc, Analysts, Parliamentary Information and Research Services, Library of Parliament.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, February 13, 2014, the committee continue its examination of the current state of ``One Call'' programs that identify critical underground infrastructure in Canada.

WITNESSES:

Canadian Gas Association:

Paula Dunlop, Director, Public Affairs and Strategy;

Jim Tweedie, Director, Operations, Safety and Integrity Management.

The chair made a statement.

Ms. Dunlop and Mr. Tweedie together made a statement and answered questions.

At 9:44 a.m., the committee suspended.

At 9:46 a.m., pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee resumed in camera to consider a draft agenda (future business).

After debate, it was agreed that the chair be authorized to seek authority from the Senate for the following order of reference:

That the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources be authorized to examine and report on non-renewable and renewable energy development including energy storage, distribution, transmission, consumption and other emerging technologies in Canada's three northern territories. In particular, the committee shall be authorized to:

Identify energy challenges facing northern territories including the state of existing energy services and infrastructure assets as well as related economic, social, geographic and environmental challenges;

Identify existing federal and territorial programs and measures aimed at improving energy use and supply in the north;

Examine ways of enhancing and diversifying energy production for domestic needs and export markets; and

Examine ways of improving the affordability, availability, reliability and efficiency of energy use for industries, businesses, governments, and residents in the north.

That the committee submit its final report no later than December 31, 2014 and that the committee retain all powers necessary to publicize its findings until 180 days after the tabling of the final report.

At 10:02 a.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Lynn Gordon

Clerk of the Committee