In the area where the board makes recommendations to GIC on new projects, particularly major projects, the NEB's job is essentially to advise GIC whether a project can be built safely in a way that protects the environment and whether the project will be used and useful. That is based on the record that is collected during the public proceeding. Massive amounts of technical evidence is tested in various ways by people who may have opposing views. The panel of the board has the duty of finding fact and making a recommendation that has to consider benefits and burdens at national, regional, and local scales, and to give that advice in a factual and reliable way, often amidst lots of controversy and differing expert opinions. They need to find fact as best they can based on the written record to make that recommendation to cabinet.
On February 23rd, 2016. See this statement in context.