NEB announces new mechanism for Confidential Disclosure (Whistleblower) reporting

National Energy Board

Tipsters now have an enhanced 24/7 mechanism to report information

The National Energy Board (NEB) has in place a new reporting mechanism that will improve how the public discloses allegations of company non-compliances.

Starting today ClearView Connects (ClearView), a confidential reporting service, will begin accepting anonymous disclosures on the NEB’s behalf. All information reported will be collected, stored, secured and managed in a secure manner. Disclosures that could reveal the identity of a tipster will be isolated from other NEB databases- protecting the information along with the identity of those who submitted them.

Through ClearView the public may submit information either:

  1. Online through Clearview’s secure website at www.clearviewconnects.com or may access it via the NEB’s website
  2. Over the phone 24/7 to a ClearView operator through the NEB’s dedicated toll-free number at 1-866-358-1718, or
  3. By mail through the confidential post office box at: P.O. Box 11017, Toronto, Ontario, M1E 1N0

Disclosures that are deemed to be emergencies will be re-directed to the NEB’s emergency line.

The NEB understands that whistleblowing can be difficult and stressful – especially if a tipster is unsure whether a particular incident or allegation is reportable. To help with this, NEB has produced a guidance document that clearly outlines for the public: what to report, how to report as well as any follow-up or courses of action (if applicable).

Whistleblower programs are valuable tools for organizations to receive reports of misconduct or non-compliances. The NEB is committed to having procedures that protect and preserve, to the extent possible the confidentiality and anonymity of disclosures and the identity of tipsters.

The National Energy Board is an independent federal regulator of several parts of Canada’s energy industry. It regulates pipelines, energy development and trade in the public interest with safety as its primary concern. For more information on the NEB and its mandate, please visit www.neb-one.gc.ca.

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Quotes

“The NEB believes that employees of regulated companies and members of the public have an important role to play when it comes to safety and compliance. We are pleased to have a mechanism and process in place so as to effectively receive and manage disclosures from concerned Canadians.”

Peter Watson, Chair and CEO of the National Energy Board.

Quick Facts

  • The NEB has been reviewing its existing whistleblower procedures over the last year to ensure it is handling these types of disclosures and discussions in the best possible way.
  • In recent years, the number of validated confidential disclosures or ‘whistleblower’ reports received by the NEB has been increasing – from six in 2012 to eight in 2014, nine in 2015 and 10 in 2016.
  • The NEB is committed to continual regulatory improvement – from front-line public safety to the way that we handle any confidential disclosures that we may receive.

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