The Impact of Losing the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association

The Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA), founded in 1993, recently informed its remaining members that it would cease operations at the end of December 2021. The decision to close came after Canada’s three largest pipeline companies, Enbridge, TC Energy and Pembina, left the organization.

While the impact of CEPA’s demise among the common Canadian is probably low, make no mistake; its positive influence on pipeline integrity and public, worker and community safety moved Canadian pipeline operations to the forefront as owner and steward of the global standard. Delegations from all over the world routinely came to Canada to meet with CEPA members and learn how we design, operate and maintain pipeline systems.

On a broad level, CEPA was the voice of the pipeline industry; speaking on behalf of, and representing, its members to interest groups and government. Beyond its advocacy role, CEPA’s Communities of Practice committees, consisting of subject matter experts from coast to coast across the Canadian pipeline industry, continually moved the pipeline safety needle forward. 

Among its long list of accomplishments, CEPA influenced regulatory changes and supported the development of critical CSA Standards. I was fortunate to lead the CSA Technical Committee on the development of the first Canadian Damage Prevention Standard for underground infrastructure (CSA Z247) and privileged to participate on the CSA Z663 Technical Committee, Land Use Planning in the Vicinity of Pipeline Systems. And over the years, I was equally honoured to chair and participate on various CEPA Committees.

I have always been an advocate of the power of many and the value of one. As CEPA quietly fades into the sunset at the end of the year, the loss of the national committee forum it hosted for the betterment of all Canadians will, for me, be the most impactful. 

Great work, CEPA, and thank you for everything over the last 28 years.

Mike Sullivan, President – Utility Safety Partners