Natural Resources committee  I don't. I believe I have a clear understanding of the requirements to be neutral and to be impartial. The training that all board members receive, both by experience and by practical direction, stipulates that the board is quasi-judicial. That means we are independent and we must at all times ensure we are free from bias.

Natural Resources committee  Thank you for that question. I do have an expertise on the legal dimension of that. It is important, though, that the board does not make a determination, nor does it have jurisdiction to make determinations with respect to questions of title. That's a constitutional matter. It, at times, creates confusion and frustration in the hearing process, a scenario in which I believe the board strives to ensure that there is appropriate engagement, which is different from crown consultation.

Natural Resources committee  It's member Bateman. Thank you for that question. In response, I have conducted National Energy Board hearings for the past six-plus years. I have sat on the gateway hearing. In that regard, I have been required to be a thoughtful and a careful listener and to take significant amounts of evidence and information and to weigh it with my colleagues in a manner that is appropriate, that is lawful, and is reflective of the public interest.

Natural Resources committee  As you can appreciate, the board is composed of a group of individuals who are independent, who are skilled and knowledgeable in their areas. We don't always agree. We meet and we listen carefully, and we draw on the expertise that our staff provides to us, but at the end of the day, we must make decisions that we believe are correct.

Natural Resources committee  It's Kenneth Bateman, first. In response to that particular question, my background as shown in my resumé is from the corporate sector. I have extensive experience and years involved in the mechanics of corporations, the financial aspects of them, the compliance with regulatory requirements, the safety, etc.

Natural Resources committee  I will answer that question, thank you. I have never belonged to any federal government party. I have never raised money nor have I ever made a contribution to any political party at a provincial or federal level.

Natural Resources committee  Good afternoon. Thank you for that question. A permanent member is an individual who has been appointed for a term of seven years. Their day-to-day responsibilities are dedicated solely to the work of the board. In accepting that position, they are also required to surrender certain interests and activities that would otherwise be acceptable or appropriate.

Natural Resources committee  While that is possible, there would be a separate process in which they would apply or might be approached, but it would require a complete vetting process. Typically, though, those individuals who are part-time are able to participate from any area in Canada. We have part-time members whose homes and livelihoods are centred anywhere from the maritime provinces to the west coast.

Natural Resources committee  There are 16 members, permanent and temporary.

Natural Resources committee  Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Let me introduce myself. My name is Kenneth Bateman and I have been a member of the National Energy Board since 2006. I would like to begin by thanking the committee for the opportunity to talk about my qualifications and views as a member of the National Energy Board.