Darren Christie
Chief Economist, Canadian Energy Regulator (CER)·3 communications in the past year
Lobbied by
Suncor Energy
2Discussions with government about federal climate and environmental policies, legislation and regulations, such as but not limited to the Emission Cap, the Clean Fuel Regulations, the Output Based Pricing System, the ZEV mandate and the Multi-Sector Air Pollutants Regulations. Discussions on sanctions related to jurisdictions in which Suncor operates or in relation to the loading and unloading of purchased goods. Discussions with government on the Impact Assessment process and impact assessments for energy projects. Discussions of impacts and barriers to the competitiveness of Canadian oil and gas industry, including market access issues such as tanker bans, pipelines as well as new green washing provisions included in the Competition Act. Discussions with government on policy and fiscal supports, and regulatory challenges related to decarbonization, including projects like Pathways. Discussion with government on Canada's biofuel security including incentives and refinery competitiveness. Discussion with the government on any proposed tax changes, specifically relating to the Income Tax Act and associated regulations. Discussions will include all forms of investment tax credit including Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) projects, hydrogen, as well as production tax credits for biofuels. Discussion with the federal government on First Nations and Indigenous consultation processes including provisions under the Indigenous Loan Guarantee program and the Environmental Justice Act. Discussions with government on issues and challenges to Suncor's operational continuity, including cybersecurity threats, work stoppages, and infrastructure challenges. Discussions with government on regulatory frameworks to enable successful closure & reclamation of oil sands mines, including regulations and practices that enable water release. Advocacy related to both export and import tariffs imposed on our industry both by the US and/ or the Canadian government as well as export bans, if applicable. Discussions with government on Fisheries Act in regard to the implementation of the Codes of Practice, related guidance's and enhanced coordination and alignment between the federal and provincial government. Advocate for timely, streamlined immigration approvals for workers supporting Suncors operations both in Canada and internationally.
Cenovus Energy
1Discussion regarding federal support for employment and training programs related to the industry. Discussion regarding Canada-US relations The Canada Shipping Act with respect to safe marine transportation Discussions regarding tax structure to support emissions reduction investments Species at Risk Act with regards to conservation initiatives to protect species and habitat Seeking potential community infrastructure funding to support Cenovus's Indigenous Housing Initiative Regulatory discussions through CAPP - participation through the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) to discuss ways to make the Atlantic offshore oil and gas industry more competitive. Petroleum Research - Participating in meetings with government to collaborate with industry peers on research of benefit to industry and government in Newfoundland. Discussion regarding Marine safety and spill response management Implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Discussion regarding environmental assessment processes and requirements for major projects Discussions regarding Federal Real Property Act Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act implementation of the mandatory reporting standards for the extractive sector Discussion with Government regarding the Competition Act Discussion with government regarding efficiency, effectiveness, cost, and safety of the Vancouver Metro Port Authority Discussion with government regarding economic support for indigenous participation in infrastructure and energy projects Discussion with government regarding accurate economic assumptions and calibration of economic models Discussion with government regarding accurate calibration of emissions related policies Discussions with regulator about how to improve and align technical standards across provincial and federal jurisdictions Discussions with Government regarding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) Discussions with government regarding Atlantic Offshore Health and Safety Regulations Discussions with Government on policy levers to support emission reduction technologies Discussions regarding trade and infrastructure policies to support market access. Discussions regarding the Government of Canada's Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy with the goal of ensuring Canada's IP system fosters research and development in Canada Discussions regarding government support for Indigenous community requests of skills training programs, facilities, infrastructure, and housing Discussions about potential policy levers to enable pathways to net-zero Discussion regarding federal fuel charge rebates and associated tax treatments. Development of regulations and implementation framework to ensure the safe operation of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems for applications in oil and gas industry. Consultation on Federal/Provincial alignment of greenhouse gas policies. Areas of focus include cost of carbon, provincial equivalency, trading mechanisms, and compliance mechanisms. Discussions regarding Canadian Environmental Protection Act related to greenhouse gas and other air emissions. Discussions regarding policy changes on water and a possible Canadian Water Agency. Canadian Energy Strategy related to national level alignment on energy priorities Canada Wildlife Act with regards to the environmental impacts from mineral resources activities Bill C-26 Discussion with Government regarding effective and efficient design and implementation of Bill C-26 Aboriginal Constitutional and Treaty Rights in relation to aboriginal consultation policy pertaining to resource management