OERD provides secretariat support to the NRCan Advisory Board on Energy Science and Technology (NABEST). Established in 1997, NABEST advises Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) on federal energy science and technology (S&T) and related programs and policies reflecting the needs and interests of the private sector and other non-government sectors, and the priorities of the federal government. The Deputy Minister of NRCan chooses NABEST members in consultation with the Minister. Members are senior officials from outside the federal government who have extensive knowledge of energy S&T and who can offer strategic advice.