The National Energy Board (NEB) follows an annual strategic planning cycle. The formal process begins with an analysis of external influences, including immediate and longer term societal and economic trends. As part of the environmental scan, the NEB meets with a cross-section of stakeholders interested in energy regulation to review direction and share ideas. The environmental scan is followed by the development or update of long-range goals, strategies and objectives followed by more detailed work and resource planning. The NEB Strategic Plan covers a three year period, and is updated on an annual basis.

What is new or revised in the updated NEB strategic plan?

The main message coming out of strategic planning is that we are on the right track, and need to stay the course to meet our vision to be an active, effective and knowledgeable partner in the responsible development of Canada's energy sector for the benefit of Canadians. The changes made in the strategic plan were introduced to address the NEB's current and anticipated business environment, and to respond to identified stakeholder needs; they are reviewed briefly below.

The NEB has revitalized its vision and purpose to more clearly state our commitment to the Canadian public. Our restated vision and purpose will guide the focus of our staff and leaders as they proactively develop strategies to work in partnership with our stakeholders.
The NEB has re-examined its corporate values to ensure that they more clearly define the expected behaviours that will guide us to excellence as Canada's energy regulator. Our staff and leaders will work to implement our revitalized values, from both an interpersonal and a corporate perspective.
The NEB is undertaking three new strategies to focus on key priorities over the next planning period. They address the NEB's current strategic focus on improving the regulatory framework, informing the energy policy debate, and enhancing our capacity and culture. The previous six strategies are now incorporated into the NEB's way of doing business.
Goal 3 has changed to better reflect that the Board's mandate is to ensure that Canadians benefit from both efficient energy infrastructure and energy markets. The Board contributes to this goal through two main mechanisms: regulatory decisions around the construction, operation and financing of energy infrastructure, and the provision of energy market information.
Goal 4 reflects the NEB's commitment to ensure that its engagement and communication practices meet the needs of stakeholders. To better enable decisions that are made in the Canadian public interest, the NEB will be pursuing ways to support participation in Board processes. The NEB is also committed to establishing the conditions under which it will be granted substitute authority for the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, thereby increasing the timeliness and efficiency of the regulatory process.
Goal 5, which addresses leadership and management accountabilities, has been updated to show the NEB's commitment to achieve a fully operational quality management system. Goal 5 also addresses the fact that the period covered by this strategic plan will be a time of great change and challenge both outside and inside the NEB. Like other organizations in the energy sector, the NEB is in an environment where there is increasing competition for experienced staff. To address this reality, the NEB has developed a long term plan for recruiting and retaining qualified employees, and has already started with implementation.

How do these revisions affect the way the Board conducts its business?

The updated Strategic Plan continues to support the Board delivering on its responsibilities to promote safety and security, environmental protection and economic efficiency in the Canadian public interest within the mandate set by Parliament in the regulation of pipelines, energy development and trade.

When does the strategic plan for 2006-2009 take effect?

The NEB approved its strategic plan for 2006-2009 in December 2005. It expresses the long term direction under which the NEB is now carrying out its work. The resources to support operational priorities identified in the strategic plan are allocated based on the NEB's next fiscal year, which starts on April 1, 2006

How do I find more information about the NEB's strategic plan?

There are several ways to find out more information. You may contact Fern Hietkamp 403-299-3127 or via email at fhietkamp@neb-one.gc.ca. You may also browse the Strategic Plan [HTML] [PDF: 76 KB] or send a letter to the following address:

National Energy Board
444 Seventh Avenue SW
Calgary, AB
T2P 0X8