Mike Smith, Executive Director of the Interstate  Oil and Gas Compact Commission, also weighed in today with his best wishes to Caron for "Life after the NEB".

Early today, Chuck Gray, Executive Director of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners commented on National Energy Board Chairman Gaé​tan Caron's impending departure from his 35-year assignment.  Here is Gray's testimonial. 

Gaetan Caron, National Energy Board, NEB, retirement, Photo by Dave HarbourYesterday, we acknowledged the outstanding service National Energy Board Chairman Gaétan Caron (NGP Photo) has provided to Canada over a long and distinguished career.

Last evening, former Chairman of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, John Norman, sent us this personal reflection highlighting Gaton's warm relationships in Alaska as well as throughout North America. 

Bob Pickett, Regulatory Commission of Alaska, Gaetan Caron, National Energy Board, NEB, retirement, Photo by Dave HarbourToday, we received further testimonials to Chairman Caron's service, including this note from Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) Commissioner and former Chairman, Bob Pickett (NGP Photo).  Pickett writes: 

Dave, 

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the long and extremely distinguished regulatory career of Chairman Gaétan Caron of Canada’s National Energy Board (NEB).  Canada has been fortunate to have such an outstanding individual at the NEB over the past 35 years.  I have had the pleasure of working with Gaétan through the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Gas Committee.   Chairman Caron’s insights and good, balanced judgment has always contributed greatly to NARUC’s Gas Committee deliberations. 

Alaska and Canada have many common interests and concerns in the development of energy resources in  arctic and sub-arctic environments.  With strong and proud First Nations populations, huge infrastructure challenges, and the rapidly changing world of energy, regulators in Canada and Alaska have much to learn from each other.  Chairman Caron’s thoughtful approach, integrity and his diplomacy has done much to promote the dialogue and exchange of information between regulators in Canada and Alaska.    

Canada is America’s largest and most reliable trading partner.  The relationship between our two countries will increase In importance in the years ahead.  We should all be thankful that one of Canada’s best has been at its National Energy Board over the past three and one-half decades.  Gaétan's work has helped to build a foundation for future successes.

Bob Pickett

Commissioner, Regulatory Commission of Alaska, (Chairman,  2008-2011)  

John Norman, AOGCC, IOGCC, Commissioner, Alaska Oil & Gas Conservation Commission, Photo by Dave HarbourAOGCC Commissioner (Ret.) John Norman's (NGP Photo) Testimonial

Dave:  

Your tribute to Gaétan Caron and his own reflections on 35 years with the NEB of Canada caused me to recall a delightful time some years ago here in Anchorage.  

Chairman Caron was in town speaking on oil and gas issues of interest to Alaska and Canada. You suggested that following his talk he be invited to join a group of Alaska regulatory officials to continue the exchange of information.

He graciously accepted the invitation and we proceeded to spend a beautiful Winter’s evening before a crackling fireplace enjoying the Chairman’s charm, wit and the warmth of his personality; we sampled some good wine and Alaska Salmon and listened to recitations of Robert Service’s poetry.  

Mark Myers, gas pipeline, ACES, AGIA, Gaeton Caron, NEB, Photo by Dave HarbourYou were called away on a trip, but participating in that special occasion were Ann Norman, Annie Norman, Gaeton Caron, John Norman, Commissioner John Norman, AOGCC, IOGCC, Photo by Dave HarbourBob Pickett, then Chair of the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA), Dr. Mark Myers (NGP Photo), now Vice Chancellor for Research, University of Alaska – Fairbanks; Jennifer Loten, then Canadian Consul; my lovely wife, Ann Norman (i.e. as hostess, NGP Photo) and many others. It was an evening we remember fondly—in the company of this outstanding Canadian official and friend. 

John K. Norman, Former Chair, Alaska Oil & Gas Conservation Commission (AOGCC) 

Chuck, Charles Gray, NARUC, National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, Photo by Dave Harbour, Gaétan CaronNARUC Executive Director Chuck Gray's (NGP Photo) Comment:

During his tenure at the NEB, Gaétan Caron was also a strong leader on the NARUC Committee on Gas and Committee on International Relations, where he served as Vice Chairman.  He helped build a strong bond between CAMPUT – the Canadian Association of Utility Commissioners, Members of Utility Tribunals – and NARUC.  His work was also critical to the success of the World Forum on Energy Regulation that was held in Quebec City in May 2012.

I wish Gaétan nothing but the best in his new endeavors. 

Mike Smith, IOGCC, Interstate Oil & Gas Compact Commission, Photo by Dave HarbourMike Smith (NGP Photo), Executive Director of the Interstate  Oil and Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC), also weighed in today with his best wishes to Caron for "Life after the NEB".

Speaking with us as some 300 IOGCC members and affiliates gather for the Mid Year Issues Summit in Biloxi, Smith noted that while IOGCC members include the Governors and their representatives from America's several dozen oil & gas producing states, the gathering also attracts regulators from six Canadian provinces and the Yukon Territory.

"We have strong cross border relationships," Smith said, "producing a healthy exchange of best practices which is in the interest of both countries.  

"We meet together at venues in both countries", he said, "and enjoy a constant stream of communications.  Many of the companies we regulate do business in both Canadian and US jurisdictions.  Therefore, the sort of cooperation and diligence represented by Chairman Caron and his provincial, regulatory counterparts is why the North American oil and gas industry can so, 'efficiently maximize oil and natural gas resources through sound regulatory practices while protecting our nation's health, safety and the environment'.

"To you as you plan your departure from National Energy Board, Mr. Chairman," he concluded, "we offer our warmest wishes for the next phase of your career and hope you'll join us at our meetings whenever possible."