ARCHIVED - Northern Pipeline Agency - Report

• Previous Page
• Table of Contents
• Next Page

This page has been archived.

Section II: Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome

Strategic Outcome

Facilitate the planning and construction of the Canadian portion of the Alaska Highway Gas Pipeline Project while maximizing social and economic benefits and minimizing adverse social and environmental effects.

Program Activity

Oversee and regulate the planning and construction of the Canadian portion of the Alaska Highway Gas Pipeline Project.

Program Activity Descriptions

In concert with other federal government departments, the NPA will have a regulatory framework which accommodates modern environmental practices, takes into account the rights of Aboriginal people, and considers the interests of provincial-territorial governments, so as to remain prepared to effectively regulate and facilitate the planning and construction of the Foothills pipeline. The NPA will also lead Crown consultations with Aboriginal peoples.

2010-11 Financial Resources ($1000s)

Planned Spending	Total Authorities	Actual Spending (unaudited)
1,321.2	1,296.7	1,124.6

2010-11 Human Resources (FTEs)

Planned	Actual	Difference
6	6	0

Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets	Performance Status
Oversee and regulate the planning and construction of the Canadian portion of the Alaska Highway Gas Pipeline Project. In concert with other federal government departments, the Agency will have a regulatory framework which accommodates modern environmental practices, takes into account the rights of Aboriginal people, and considers the interests of provincial and territorial governments so as to remain prepared to effectively regulate and facilitate the planning and construction of the Foothills pipeline.	The Agency effectively plans for and responds to regulatory filings and makes certain that the Act is properly administered.	Timely responses with consideration to the overall project schedule and readiness to respond to increasing levels of project activity.	Met all: The NPA maintained a regular dialogue with key stakeholders and carried out its responsibilities as mandated under the Act. It has coordinated with the Yukon government, other federal departments, Aboriginal communities, TransCanada and the U.S. on issues ranging from the expiry date of the Canada-Foothills Easement Agreement to the development of scenarios for a streamlined environmental assessment and regulatory review process.
	The Agency continues to address regulatory certainty by establishing a framework within a timeframe that corresponds with industry decisions on the project.	A regulatory framework that accommodates modern environmental practices and the interests of territorial and provincial governments, Aboriginal communities, and other residents along the pipeline route.	Mostly met. The NPA continued to develop  potential approaches for a modern environmental, socio-economic and technical update. As a “single window” regulator, the NPA has established an interdepartmental committee to help develop a streamlined approach that incorporates the roles of relevant departments and agencies.
	Maintains an adequate level of staff to allow the Agency to refine its plans and state of readiness to respond and to enhance its engagements with other participants that would be involved in the planning and construction of this phase of the pipeline.	NPA is in a state of readiness to effectively regulate and facilitate the planning and construction of the Foothills pipeline	Met all. The NPA acquired further capacity in terms of human resources and has entered into agreements with NRCan, DFO and NEB. The NPA is also maintaining its Service Partnership Agreement with NRCan for various corporate and financial services and has engaged other government departments on matters of common concern through its interdepartmental committee.
	The Agency increases public awareness of its work, its status and its operations with regard to the Project.	Plans and tools that support enhanced communication and outreach.	Met all. The NPA has developed communications plans for the Project as a whole. It has engaged NRCan communications capacity to develop a design concept that will be applied to all published material. NRCan is also developing a website based on content provided by the NPA. Finally, the NPA has finalized and distributed published information sheets to various parties.
	The Agency effectively plans for and carries out Crown consultation with Aboriginal people.	Responsibilities related to Aboriginal consultations are met.	Met all. The NPA has begun consultation on the renewal of the Yukon land easement and associated matters. The NPA is recording all correspondence with Aboriginal communities and responding to concerns in a timely manner.

Performance Summary and Analysis of Program Activity

Since the Act came into force, in 1978, the external environment relevant to environmental and public considerations has changed. Some of the changes include new environmental legislation, and in Yukon, devolution of some federal responsibilities and the settlement of most Aboriginal land claims along the pipeline route.

The NPA has worked to develop scenarios for a regulatory process which fully meets modern environmental and socio-economic standards and respects the rights of Aboriginal peoples. The process would take into account the rights granted to Foothills under the Act, including the NEB certificates and the Yukon easement. The NPA is working closely with relevant federal departments and agencies, mainly through the Alaska Pipeline Project Interdepartmental Committee (APPIC), and is coordinating with territorial and provincial governments, the U.S. and TransCanada. The NPA is also leading Crown consultations with affected Aboriginal communities in Yukon regarding the expiry date of the Canada-Foothills Easement Agreement and other matters related to the project. It also continues to assess the adequacy of its technical, legal, administrative and policy capacity with respect to carrying out planning and regulatory work as project activity increases.

Lessons Learned

In the 2010-11 fiscal year, most NPA activity concerned planning and preparation for the AHGP as well as coordination with stakeholders. There are no lessons learned to report at this time.

• Previous Page
• Table of Contents
• Next Page