Land Matters Group Advisory Committee (LMAC AC) Meeting Summary Notes - Meeting - February 11-12, 2026, Calgary
In-person Meeting - February 11–12, 2026, Calgary
Land Matters Advisory Committee (LMAC) Meeting
The Land Matters Advisory Committee (LMAC) met in Calgary for a two-day session focused on improving regulatory clarity, advancing damage prevention initiatives, enhancing landowner engagement, and shaping priorities for the 2026–2027 Action Plan. Members emphasized the importance of practical guidance, transparent processes, and continued collaboration between the Canada Energy Regulator (CER), landowners, companies, and provincial partners.
Strengthening Damage Prevention (DP)
Members discussed contraventions, near-hits, and recurring non compliance infractions, noting that increased contraventions reported reflect stronger awareness of reporting requirements rather than an increase in contraventions. The CER outlined educational and enforcement tools—audits, inspections, engagement sessions, and escalation measures—to address repeat contraventions. Members noted that they have taken steps to make the locate requests simpler for land users and contractors, and highlighted agricultural challenges related to larger farm equipment, exemptions, and emergency response situations.
Federal–Provincial Regulatory Alignment
A comparative overview of CER and Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) approaches underscored shared goals in engagement, safety and environmental protection. Members expressed interest in deeper cross regulator collaboration and future presentations from additional regulators, including the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC).
Improving Regulatory Process Understanding
The CER provided clarity on hearings, detailed route determinations, variances, and rights of entry. Members appreciated distinctions between corridor approval and detailed route hearings, and confirmation that landowners may intervene even if they did not participate earlier. Rights of entry were noted as rare, with companies preferring negotiated solutions.
Advancing Best Practices for Land Agents
A workshop on land agent practices emphasized role clarity, transparent communication, and strategies to address power imbalances between landowners and companies. Members supported continued collaboration to promote consistent engagement practices that lead to increased trust.
Updates on Key CER Initiatives
Members received updates on the finalized Land Matters booklet, and discussed effective and non burdensome distribution strategies.
The Natural Resources Canada presented progress on the Indigenous Ministerial Arrangements Regulations (IMARs), with discussion centered on governance, regional variability, capacity needs, and the importance of early provincial engagement.
Compensation Considerations
Members reviewed compensation frameworks, confidentiality issues, lifecycle impacts, and dispute resolution options. Transparency and managing landowner expectations were identified as ongoing priorities.
Action Plan Development
Progress under the 2025–2026 Action Plan was reviewed, including considerations related to committee composition.
During a facilitated workshop, members identified priorities for the 2026–2027 Action Plan, including maintaining case based learning, strengthening provincial collaboration, retaining current governance structures, and focusing on landowner needs. Members recommended eliminating the routine roundtable segment at the start of each meeting and shifting new member introductions to pre meeting bios posted on CER Dialogue ahead of meetings.
Overall Summary
Across both days, members emphasized practical guidance, improved communication, and collaborative approaches that support fair, predictable, and transparent regulatory processes. Action items include advancing damage prevention initiatives, refining regulatory guidance, implementing distribution plans for key materials, strengthening inter jurisdictional collaboration, and developing a draft 2026–2027 Action Plan for review in June 2026.
- Date modified: