Thirty five years ago, shortly following the Hibernia discovery and graduation from MUN engineering, I started my career in regulating the petroleum industry in the Canada-NL offshore area.

Since then, I have enjoyed the pleasure of being involved with several aspects of the C-NLOPB’s mandate as we identified solutions to the challenges associated with developing effective regulatory oversight of a rapidly changing industry. This work has been particularly interesting due to the need to adapt to the unique technological challenges of operating in the harsh environmental conditions off our shores.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my career with the C-NLOPB as the industry moved from exploration to development to production. Today, we are facing the challenges associated with maturing fields and aging infrastructure.

Whether it has been the need to implement special oversight measures in response to events elsewhere or to establish relations with regulatory agencies internationally, I have witnessed my colleagues stepping up to the plate time and time again in our collective efforts to adopt best-in- class regulatory practices and procedures. For me, it has been a thoroughly enjoyable, extremely rewarding and entirely gratifying career where I have had the pleasure of working with a large number of highly qualified persons within the C-NLOPB, the petroleum industry and the federal and provincial governments. I am absolutely delighted to have been involved in this adventure.

While there are few guarantees in life, one thing I can hereby certify with certainty is the unwavering fortitude of the C-NLOPB to never compromise the public interest in discharging their legislative and regulatory duties and responsibilities in all areas of their mandate. This I have observed, without exception, throughout my career with the C-NLOPB.

Steadiness and predictability is a core value of our regulatory system; however the ability to adapt to change is paramount. It is extremely refreshing to see the progressive nature of the C-NLOPB. Several recent examples that come to mind include the improvements to the land tenure system which has sparked renewed interest in exploration; the re-branding of our organization; the steps taken to become better connected through social media; and, the development of a five year strategic plan that also elaborates on our core values as a regulator. I invite you to view this here.

At this moment, despite the current fiscal situation in our province due to the timing of a number of circumstances, I am optimistic that our future remains bright. With the words of Premier Peckford in mind when he spoke at the signing of the Atlantic Accord in 1985, I predict “the sun will continue to shine” and “have-not will continue to be no more”.

Blog 2016