Government of Canada Announces New Chair and Vice-Chair of National Energy Board

The Honourable Greg Rickford, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, today announced permanent new leadership of the National Energy Board (NEB). Peter Watson is appointed Chair and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the board, effective August 18, 2014. Lyne Mercier is reappointed as a full-time member and will also become Vice-Chair, effective immediately.

Mr. Watson was the successful candidate in the recent public, competitive process to fill the vacant Chair/CEO position. Mr. Watson has extensive senior executive leadership experience in energy, natural resources and environmental issues. In his most recent position as Deputy Minister of the Alberta Executive Council, he was responsible for the administration of the Executive Council Office, Cabinet and committees and was also Head of the Alberta Public Service. The term of the Chair position is seven years.

Ms. Mercier was first appointed as a permanent, full-time member of the NEB on December 17, 2008, for a term of seven years and has been assigned to over 25 panels since joining the board. Ms. Mercier previously held positions in the private sectors in diverse fields including gas supply management, regulatory processes, cost of service allocation, pricing and customer service. The term of the Vice-Chair position is seven years.

Quick Facts

The National Energy Board is an independent federal agency established in 1959 by the Parliament of Canada to regulate international and interprovincial aspects of the oil, gas and electric utility industries.

In 2013, the National Energy Board received nearly 500 applications and issued just under 550 decisions on imports and exports, as well as 18 hearing recommendations/decisions for energy infrastructure (new and/or modified), tolls and tariffs, and abandonment.

Quotes

“I am pleased to announce new, permanent leadership of the National Energy Board. The comprehensive experience and knowledge of these individuals will be invaluable during this critical time for our federal energy regulator. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would also like to thank Gaétan Caron for his 35 years of committed service. Mr. Caron has fulfilled his duties with the utmost professionalism and dedication.”

Greg Rickford
Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario

Contacts

Alexandra Lemieux
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister for Natural Resources and
Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario
613-996-2007

Or

Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-992-4447

The general public may contact:

Mon.–Fri., 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. EDT
Telephone: 613-995-0947
TTY: 613-996-4397
(teletype for the hearing-impaired)
E-mail: questions@nrcan.gc.ca