Thank you, honourable members. Good afternoon.
I welcome this opportunity to appear before the committee today to discuss my qualifications as a member of Canada's National Energy Board. I was recently appointed as a permanent member of the National Energy Board, on August 6, 2013.
I was honoured to be appointed to this well-respected organization, to serve this country in making decisions in the regulation of pipelines, energy development, and trade in the Canadian public interest.
As a member of the board, I bring to the table 24 years of experience in the area of community economic development in the Northwest Territories, eastern Arctic—now part of Nunavut—and northeastern British Columbia.
My experience is largely in working with first nations in the north, doing consultation, business development, and negotiations in the petroleum and mining industries. I have on-the-ground experience in all aspects of the upstream oil and gas industry. I have represented first nations clients in negotiations with major Canadian energy producers and pipeline companies, with a focus on benefits and access and benefits agreements. I understand the importance of building positive and effective relationships as well as facilitating communications and cross-cultural understanding.
I was the CEO of the Acho Dene Koe Corporate Group, where I oversaw the growth and development of band-owned corporations and their relationships with oil and gas companies. This included ownership in pipelines. I also sat on the boards of first nation-owned companies and first nation-owned joint ventures.
In addition, I spent five years as an economic development officer with the Government of the Northwest Territories.
These varied roles and experiences eventually led me to work as a consultant for first nations, industry, and government in northeastern British Columbia, the NWT, and Yukon.
I should add that my experiences have not all been up north. I studied at the University of Calgary, where I completed my bachelor of arts in economics. My educational background also enabled me to live in Nova Scotia, where I completed a diploma in social development from the Coady International Institute at St. Francis Xavier University, a world-renowned centre of excellence in community-based development and leadership education.
As a manager, a CEO, and a negotiator, I have often been called in to work to reconcile divergent positions. My training in community-based development has provided me with a solid background throughout my career. I believe these experiences will serve me well as part of the quasi-judicial tribunal, the NEB. I understand the mandate given to us by Parliament, and I'm confident in the robust regulatory framework we have to work with.
In my short time at the board, it has become apparent that we as members are extremely well supported by over 400 knowledgeable and professional staff. The NEB's employees are, in my opinion, the jewel in the crown of the organization. In addition, I am surrounded by a wealth of knowledge and experience in my fellow board members, and I look forward to working with them and learning from them.
Thank you very much.