Natural Resources Canada's role concerning Canada's energy resources is to support good public policy decision-making and regulation of Canada's energy industries. The sustainable development of our energy resources is supported through programs and policies designed to foster the enabling conditions for investment in this sector.

Petroleum Resources Branch

As managing federal oil and gas interests offshore is of great importance to our country, the Frontier Lands Management Division (FLMD) maintains expertise in rights insurance, oil and gas engineering, environmental assessment, resource assessment, regulatory process , industrial benefits, joint management concepts, and commercial loan facilities.

As well, the Oil Division plays an important role in assessing developments in Canadian and international oil supply, demand, prices and trade. It also performs economic and policy analysis related to oil market and associated public policy issues.

The Natural Gas Division fosters free and open trade in natural gas, promotes market access for the Canadian industry and facilitates transparency in gas markets to further the growth of a deregulated, integrated and competitive North American natural gas market, while recognizing the principle of environmentally responsible development. The Natural Gas Division maintains expertise in technical, regulatory, policy and economic areas in order to better provide advice and analysis on the North American natural gas industry.

Within the branch's portfolio, the Energy Infrastructure Protection Division coordinates initiatives aimed at enhancing the state of security and levels of protection at critical Canadian energy production and transportation facilities.

The Energy Infrastructure Protection Division formulates policies and provides advice, briefings and recommendations to the Minister on Canada’s critical energy infrastructure protection and emergency preparedness. It also provides expert advice to the Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness (PSEPC) portfolio in the formulation and delivery of the National Critical Infrastructure Assurance Program (NCIAP). The division liaises with key stakeholders including regulatory agencies, provincial governments, energy industry / associations and represents Natural Resources Canada in the North American Energy Working Group to promote international cooperation and exchanged ideas on areas of mutual interest related to critical energy infrastructure protection and emergency preparedness.

Electricity Resources Branch

The Renewable and Electrical Energy Division promotes the development of a sustainable renewable energy industry in Canada. The division promotes investments in renewable energy systems for heating and cooling and provides information on renewable energy technologies. It also provides analysis and advice to the Minister on electricity issues in Canada.

Finally, to enhance the value to Canada of its uranium and nuclear industries in a safe and secure way, the Nuclear Energy Division and the Uranium and Radioactive Waste Division provide leadership in the development and implementation of Canadian government policy on uranium, nuclear energy and radioactive waste management. Canadian uranium and nuclear technology continue to generate virtually greenhouse gas-free electricity in many countries around the world. A typical CANDU reactor can avoid the emission of the equivalent of five megatonnes of carbon dioxide per year. Radioactive waste is safely managed by the operators of nuclear facilities. Under the direction of the Uranium and Radioactive Waste Division, the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management Office is responsible for the cleanup of historic wastes.