Expectations of Hearing Attendees

The Canada Energy Regulator cares about providing a safe and respectful environment, with the proper decorum, for everyone attending our hearings. This allows the Commission to hear from those who are provided an opportunity to speak during an oral hearing, especially directly affected groups and individuals, while also allowing other members of the public and media to observe the hearing.

What you can expect:

If you are unable to attend the hearing in person, a live audio broadcast of the hearing is accessible on the CER website. Transcripts of the hearing (the written record of what is said) are also posted on the CER website after the end of each hearing day.

  • An CER Process Advisor or other CER staff member will be attending the hearing and can help you with process questions. These people cannot speak for you or give legal advice.
  • A member of the CER’s Communications team will be available to speak to the media either by phone or in-person.
  • If you have any safety-related concerns, talk to the CER staff on-site.
  • There will be a designated location for attendees to sit, whether you are a Participant who will be speaking at the hearing, a member of the public observing the hearing, or media. If the hearing room is full and no seating is available, you may not be allowed into the hearing room. Standing during a hearing is not permitted.
  • You may need to register your attendance and provide photo identification before entering the room.
  • The CER may have a Security Advisor and other Security staff both outside and within the hearing room.
  • There may be enhanced security measures in place at the hearing, consistent with those in effect at most courthouses and during hearings before formal regulatory tribunals in Canada.
  • Anything that could be used as a weapon is not allowed in the hearing room.
  • An CER Process Advisor or other CER staff member will be attending the hearing and can help you with process questions, in either of Canada’s official languages.
  • As a participant in a bilingual hearing, you can receive services and public communications from the CER in both of Canada’s official languages and you can communicate with the CER in your official language of choice.

What we expect from you:

In making a recommendation or decision, the Commission can only consider what is on its official record. It is important for the Panel to hear from hearing Participants. Any disruptions inside or outside of a hearing room cannot be considered as part of the official record, and may distract the Panel from listening to hearing Participants.

  • If you are a Participant who has been scheduled to speak, come to the venue on time and be ready to start at the set time.
  • Treat everyone with respect, including any staff and all representatives of other groups and interests. Please do not interrupt Participants.
  • Turn off your cell phone and limit the use of disruptive electronic devices.
  • If you are going to take pictures or video in the hearing room, please seek permission of those you will be recording and do so only from the designated location. Recording, photographing or videotaping cross-examination during hearings is prohibited
  • If you behave in an aggressive or threatening manner to any person in the hearing room, you will be asked to leave.
  • For safety reasons, the CER may decide to interrupt the proceedings and ask attendees to evacuate. Follow the directions of the staff on-site.
  • For more information on public access at CER hearings, please review our Policy on Public and Media Access at CER Hearings.

Thank-you for your co-operation in creating a safe and respectful environment.

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