Yellowknife — August 6, 2020
The Commissioner of the Northwest Territories has designated Pauline de Jong as Regulator of Oil and Gas Operations under the Oil and Gas Operations Act upon the recommendation of Executive Council.
Since devolution on April 1, 2014, the Regulator is responsible for regulating oil and gas operations in the onshore NWT, excluding the Inuvialuit Settlement Region and retained federal lands. This appointment has been made to separate the administrative function of the Regulator from elected office and ensures the Regulator’s independence.
Ms. de Jong has worked with the Office of the Regulator for Oil and Gas Operations (OROGO) since May 2014 and has served as Executive Director since February 2019. At the same time, she was appointed Chief Conservation Officer under section 4 of the Oil and Gas Operations Act (OGOA) and was delegated decision-making authority for Operations Authorizations, Well Approvals and Operating Licences under the Act.
Before joining OROGO, Ms. de Jong served in a variety of capacities with the Government of the Northwest Territories and has worked in the establishment of protected areas, business development, human resources and the implementation of the Devolution Agreement.
Quote
“Pauline de Jong is an outstanding public servant and has played an integral role in the establishment of OROGO. Her work has led the development of guidelines and interpretation notes with respect to well suspension and abandonment, safety and environmental protection plans, and public access to information. I have full confidence in her ability to serve as Regulator for Oil and Gas Operations.
- Caroline Cochrane, Premier of the Government of the Northwest Territories
Quick facts
- The Regulator of Oil and Gas Operations has a mandate to regulate the exploration and development of oil and gas resources in the onshore Northwest Territories, excluding the Inuvialuit Settlement Region and retained federal lands, under OGOA and certain provisions of the Petroleum Resources Act.
- The Canada Energy Regulator has regulatory responsibilities for onshore parts of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region under OGOA and certain provisions of the Petroleum Resources Act, and for the Norman Wells Proven Area and offshore areas under the Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act and certain provisions of the Canada Petroleum Resources Act.
- The Regulator’s role is to regulate oil and gas operations to ensure human safety, protect the environment, and conserve oil and gas resources.
- In addition to her appointment as Regulator, Ms. de Jong will continue to serve as Executive Director of OROGO.
Related links
For more information, please contact:
Todd Sasaki
Senior Communications Officer
Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs
Government of the Northwest Territories