Natural Resources Committee on Nov. 20th, 2013

[Peter Julian, NDP, Burnaby—New Westminster, BC]

It's pretty outrageous, and I think it's fair to say that anyone listening would see it as such.

I'll move on because there are a whole bunch of questions we want to ask these candidates. They are very qualified.

We appreciate your being available.

One question that is traditionally asked in these kinds of situations is the question you alluded to, Mr. Bateman, when you talked about partisan and non-partisan in terms of approaches.

I'd simply like to ask you, since we have no record of political involvement, if any of you have made contributions to the Conservative Party at the provincial or federal levels over the last few years.

[The Chair, Conservative, Leon Benoit]

Before you answer that question, Mr. Bateman, that's an area of questioning.... The party that you might support or the political party or parties that you might contribute to is stated to be outside the scope of questions that should be asked at this committee, but that's one of those questions I will put to you and your good wisdom. You can choose not to answer it, and I can't imagine that it would reflect badly upon you, or you can choose to go ahead and answer it. It's up to you entirely, sir.

[Kenneth Bateman]

I will answer that question, thank you.

I have never belonged to any federal government party. I have never raised money nor have I ever made a contribution to any political party at a provincial or federal level.

[Shane Parrish]

I have never been a member of any political party, federal, provincial, or territorial. I have made contributions to all three of the parties represented today.

[Don Young]

I similarly have not been a member of a federal political party, nor have I made donations.

Thank you.

[Ron Wallace]

I have a similar answer.

I would go further to say that since my short time at the NEB, there are requirements for board members to maintain their independence and demonstrate that not only with their business, but also their political and social dealings. I'd like to report that in the short time, the 20 days, that I've been here since my appointment, I'm moving ahead to put in place the requirements that will meet or exceed the requirements I expect out of all permanent board members.

Thank you.

[The Chair, Conservative, Leon Benoit]

Thank you very much, gentlemen.

Mr. Julian, you have time for one more short question, if you like.

[Peter Julian, NDP, Burnaby—New Westminster, BC]

Thank you. There is public concern. I thank each of you for responding to that question.

There's a concern about the increase in pipeline leaks and spills in this country. There have been questions in Parliament.

I'm wondering if you think there's a role for the NEB to address—

[Bob Zimmer, Conservative, Prince George—Peace River, BC]

Point of order, Mr. Chair.

[Peter Julian, NDP, Burnaby—New Westminster, BC]

—what has been a significant increase in the number of leaks and spills over the last few years.

[Bob Zimmer, Conservative, Prince George—Peace River, BC]

Point of order, Mr. Chair.

[The Chair, Conservative, Leon Benoit]

Again, Mr. Zimmer, on a point of order.

[Bob Zimmer, Conservative, Prince George—Peace River, BC]

Yes, again, I know that Mr. Julian is—sorry, Mr. Chair. I think the honourable member is quite qualified as a lawyer, but I don't think he fully understands the purpose of this meeting today, which is to talk about the qualifications of the board members of the NEB, because he keeps straying from that particular line of questioning. I don't think that's relevant to today's discussion.

[The Chair, Conservative, Leon Benoit]

Thank you, Mr. Zimmer. I was going to point that out.

Mr. Julian, your time is up.

Go ahead please, Mr. Regan, for up to eight minutes.

[Geoff Regan, Liberal, Halifax West, NS]

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you to our witnesses today. It's great to have you with us. You do have impressive qualifications. I'll do my best and I hope you'll be okay with my questions, Mr. Chairman.

Could each of you tell us how you feel your qualifications assist you in increasing confidence in the NEB regulatory process that you are to be involved in? Considering that across the country you have protests and concerns, and reactions of course to things like seismic testing, fracking, pipelines, etc., it's obviously a very contentious area, how do your qualifications help increase confidence in the process?

[The Chair, Conservative, Leon Benoit]

Go ahead please, gentlemen, whoever would like to answer that.

[Kenneth Bateman]

It's Kenneth Bateman, first.

In response to that particular question, my background as shown in my resumé is from the corporate sector. I have extensive experience and years involved in the mechanics of corporations, the financial aspects of them, the compliance with regulatory requirements, the safety, etc. I bring to the board that depth of understanding and experience that assists me as a panel member to correctly analyze and to consider applications to ensure that they're thorough and complete. It would assist me to identify where an application is approved what types of conditions would be required and where companies would be held accountable and how they can be held accountable.

Thank you.

[The Chair, Conservative, Leon Benoit]

Would anyone else like to answer that question?

Go ahead, please, sir.

[Shane Parrish]

It's Shane Parrish.

Thank you, honourable member, for the question. I think I'll go back to my time in Antigonish at the Coady International Institute and the cross-cultural education and training that I received there. It was very beneficial

[Geoff Regan, Liberal, Halifax West, NS]

That's a good start.

[Shane Parrish]

After graduating I went to the eastern Arctic and later on to the Northwest Territories. There's my work in education in various locations throughout Canada and varying cross-cultural conditions. These are experiences I've enjoyed very much, living, working, and being with people all over the north and south of Canada. I believe my understanding of the north and indigenous peoples, as well as other educational backgrounds that I have had and continue to have, allow me to help in this understanding of the decisions that we have to make.

Thank you for the question.

[The Chair, Conservative, Leon Benoit]

Mr. Regan, do you want answers from all four?

Okay, go ahead, please. Who would like to answer the question next?

[Don Young]

This is Don Young. I'm delighted to be able to respond, and thank you, honourable members, for the question.

First, with respect to the subject of confidence, I would simply reflect back on some earlier comments that are background based. I'm grounded in good science. That allows me to form objective evaluations of matters brought before me and to use those reasonings to analyze data and form a constructive opinion.

Second, a significant subject in the mandate of the National Energy Board and indeed the area of highest concern to the board, is the subject of health and safety for Canadians. In my previous professional roles, I've had direct global responsibility for dealing with matters related to the health and safety of employees in a highly regulated environment and consider that to be a significant asset.

Third would be in the area of extensive stakeholder consultation. As we know, for projects under the mandate of the National Energy Board, we are dealing with Canadians with interests in these projects from all walks of life, with a variety of different perspectives, various cultural considerations. My experience has allowed me to work with Canadians in every territory and province of the country with significant cross-cultural considerations as well.

Last, in a board capacity, my substantial board experience has equipped me to address matters that require deep fiduciary responsibility experience. I believe that should be of some assistance to the board.

Thank you.

[Ron Wallace]

Mr. Chairman and honourable members, I'm delighted to respond to that.

My training as an environmental scientist allows me to bring to the table the discipline and objectivity that's required to look at technical matters and make decisions. My regulatory enforcement experience has given me a broad range of experience in dealing with due diligence matters and matters that have been brought before the courts. Last, my experience with corporate and regulatory boards has allowed me to experience the kind of discipline and balance that's required, I think, at the National Energy Board to assess information brought before us as a panel, to make decisions based on the evidence, and to communicate decisions made in the broader public interest.

I think those three corners of my background contribute not only to answering your question, but also to the strengths of the National Energy Board.

Thank you.

[The Chair, Conservative, Leon Benoit]

Thank you very much, gentlemen.

Mr. Regan.