Common menu bar
Staff Stories
Celebrating 50 Years
Established in 1959 by the Parliament of Canada, the NEB is recognized today for its expertise, integrity and leadership in regulating international and interprovincial aspects of Canada's crude oil, natural gas and electric utility industries. In 1991, the Board moved from Ottawa, Ontario to Calgary, Alberta and in 1994 its decision-making authority was expanded to include Frontier lands not administered through provincial/federal agreements.
Over the decades, many individuals have contributed to the Board's vision to be an active, effective and knowledgeable partner in the responsible development of Canada's energy sector for the benefit of Canadians. It has not been an easy mandate to fulfill, and there have been many challenges along the way. By talking with current and former employees who played key roles in the Board's development, we aim to look back through time and share some of the insight, experience and memories they accumulated during their tenure.
Glenn Booth joined the NEB in 1985. He brings extensive experience with regulatory issues, strategic planning and leadership to his current position as Business Unit Leader of the People and Communication Services Business Unit. In drawing on his experiences, Glenn cites the credibility, independence and respectful culture of the Board as keystones of a fulfilling career. [More]
Paul Bourgeois retired from the Board in 2007 after 33 years of service. In his last position as hearing manager, he was responsible for coordinating the hearing process from beginning to end. In 2008, Paul returned to the NEB to develop training courses and coach new staff members involved with processing applications. As one who has worked in both managerial and technical positions, Paul has drawn a great deal of satisfaction from working with his colleagues and travelling across the country on Board business. [More]
Mona Butler worked at the NEB for 27 years, from 1981 to 2008. In her last position as Regulatory Officer, she coordinated many functions associated with the Board's hearing process, including correspondence, documents, venue set-up, exhibits, hearing conduct, and publication of decisions issued by the Board. Mona recalls her time up North as one of the highlights of her career, as well as the fulfillment she gained from working with her colleagues on the Regulatory team.
[More]
Jim Davidson, Geologist and Team Leader, Gas Unit, has been with the NEB for over 26 years. When he began his career in the early 80s, he was responsible for the southern section of the Northwest Territories, then overseen by the Canada Oil and Gas Land Administration agency. By the time COGLA merged with the NEB, Jim was a reserves geologist in the Calgary office of the NEB, deeply engaged in studying the geological potential for conventional natural gas reserves in Alberta and Canada. Looking back over the years, Jim recalls significant changes in the way natural gas reserves are estimated and reported. [More]
Margery Fowke joined the NEB in 1989. As Senior Counsel, she reviews documents submitted to the Board, advises the Board and staff on legal matters and ensures that all Board decisions are based on the public record. She also participates in hearings to question the applicant's and intervenors' witnesses and to gather information needed for the panel to make a decision. Reflecting on her 20 years with the NEB, Margery talks about the laughter she has shared with colleagues and, in a more serious vein, how much she values the flexible, supportive work environment. [More]
Roland George joined the NEB in August 2006 along with four other new Board members. He brought 25 years of experience in the private sector to his appointment, including positions with an international energy consulting firm, the Canadian Energy Research Institute and Gaz Métropolitain. As an NEB Board member, Roland is charged with finding a balance of economic, environmental and social interests when rendering a decision about proposed energy projects. When he joined the Board, Roland had reached a point in his career when he wanted to serve the public interest by applying his years of experience to the regulatory process. [More]
Bonnie Gray-Wallace worked at the NEB from 1998 to 2006. In her last position as Professional Leader, Northern Strategies, Bonnie advised the Board on environmental, Aboriginal and regulatory matters related to energy issues in northern Canada. Well acquainted with the social and cultural milieu, she helped facilitate the Board's re-entry to the North in 2000 when interest in pipelines from Alaska and the Mackenzie Valley gathered momentum. In recollecting her time with the Board, Bonnie is passionate about her experiences in the North and the inherent opportunities that have yet to be realized. [More]
Guy Hamel is the NEB's longest serving employee, having worked at the Board for 35 years. As a Regulatory Officer with the Office of the Secretary, he assists the Secretary in her role of supporting the Board members in rendering their decisions. This involves writing minutes of the meetings as well as organizing panel hearings, tracking documents and acting as a hearing officer. Previously, Guy was on assignment for four years to work with the Joint Review Panel struck for the Mackenzie Gas Project. Having progressed from working in the mail room when he first joined the NEB to his present position, Guy speaks eloquently of the opportunities for career advancement and travel that he has experienced during his tenure. [More]
Brenda Kenny worked at the NEB from 1981 to 2006, including a five-year leave when she relocated and raised a young family. In her last position as Business Leader of Planning, Policy and Coordination, she was charged with strategic planning and regulatory development as well as advancing new ways of approaching the Board's mandate. Now President of the Canadian Energy Pipelines Association, Brenda vividly recalls her time at the NEB and the impact it had on her career. [More]
Michel L. Mantha, former Secretary of the Board, retired in April 2007 after 35 years of service. During the early years of his career, Michel focused on socio-economic studies for initiatives such as the Arctic Pilot Project and the North Bay shortcut, then moved on to the financial regulatory area where he worked on toll applications methodology. In March 2009, Michel returned to the Board temporarily as Executive Advisor to the Chair. Charged with overseeing the NEB's 50th anniversary celebration, Michel is a results-oriented team worker who values the challenges, opportunities and colleagues he encountered at the Board. [More]
John McCarthy started his career at the NEB 25 years ago as a pipeline engineer. Over the years, he has held a variety of positions with the Board, including Pipeline Inspector, Director of Pipeline Engineering, Chief Safety Officer and Chief Engineer. In 2008 he was appointed Business Leader, Strategy and Analysis after several years of serving as Business Leader in the Commodities and Operations units. Reflecting on his experience with the Board, John shares a moving conversation with a landowner that influenced and inspired him. [More]
Terry Rochefort worked at the NEB from 1995 to 2003. In his last position as Business Unit Leader, Commodities, he was responsible for energy resource production and forecasts as well as natural gas and electricity export authorizations. Now the Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Members of Public Utilities Tribunals, Terry recalls the 1997 reorganization of the Board as one of the turning points in his career. [More]
Dave Walker launched his 30-year career at the NEB as a temporary worker putting labels onto furniture. In 1999, he brought years of experience gained from working on electricity export and power line applications to the position of Hearing Manager. A natural story-teller who likes to banter, Dave draws great satisfaction from the relationships he has developed with co-workers and colleagues over the years. [More]
Young Guns: Here's a tough one: What do an aspiring filmmaker, a drummer in a heavy metal band, and an eight-year veteran for the Army Reserves have in common? Answer: They are all part of an emerging workforce at the NEB, each only 25 years old or younger, and each having holstered enough talent, drive, expertise and fire power to successfully shoot the organization into the next 50 years. [More]
Primary navigation (left column)
The NEB
- Who we are & our governance
- Public Participation
- News Releases
- Careers
- Hearings and Information Sessions
- Major Applications and Projects
- Regulatory Documents
- Cost Recovery
- North / Offshore
- Site Map
- Links