Who We Are

Biographical Snapshot:

• Appointed Board Chairperson 2022
• Appointed Federal Board Member 2017
• Over 20 years experience in the energy industry, including onshore and offshore energy, electricity, renewable energy and public policy
• Former producer/journalist for CBC and The Canadian Press
• Former Public Information and Environmental Coordinator at the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board
• Founding Chief Executive Officer of The Maritimes Energy Association
• Former Vice-President of the Atlantic Institute of Market Studies
• Chair, Social Responsibility Committee

Professional Affiliations, Degrees, and Distinctions:

• ICD.D
• Vice-Chair, Board of Directors of the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia
• Member, of the Board of Directors of Sail Canada
• Member, Board of Directors, Host Society 2022 49er, 49erFX & Nacra 17 World Sailing Championships

More About Me:

• Loves spending time with her granddaughter
• Loves to read, cook, garden, swim, and sail
• Active community volunteer

Biographical Snapshot:

• Appointed to the Board in 2022
• Practiced Environmental Law throughout Atlantic Canada for twenty five years
• Managing Partner and CEO of McInnes Cooper, 2006 to 2013
• Served in the Nova Scotia Public Service for eight years in various roles including Deputy Minister of Planning & Priorities, Deputy Minister of the Office of Strategy Management, and Deputy Minister of Business
• Served on many Boards including the World Trade and Convention Center, Research Nova Scotia, Events East, Develop Nova Scotia, Innovacorp, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Cresco, and as Corporate Secretary of Twin Rivers Paper Company.
• Managing Trustee of the Killam Trusts, a private philanthropic trust of over $500M supporting advanced study to build Canada’s future
• Director, Governance and General Counsel, Mitacs Inc., a National Not-for profit Corporation that connects post secondary research to economic and social needs
• Assistant Professor at Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University

Professional Affiliations, Degrees, and Distinctions:

• Bachelor of Arts (Political Science), McGill University
• LLB, Dalhousie Law School, Dalhousie University
• Admitted to the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society, 1989
• Admitted to the Law Society of New Brunswick, 1993
• ICD.D from Rotman School of Management 2010
• Queens Counsel appointment 2017

More About Me:

• Hockey Goaltender for over half a century, lifetime GAA of 3.65
• Enjoys hiking when travelling throughout Nova Scotia and when visiting family in Ireland.

​​​​​Biographical Snapshot:

• Appointed to the Board in 2017
• Over 25 years experience in the oil and gas industry in Canada and internationally with operators and as an independent consultant
• Extensive experience in resource development, both onshore and offshore
• Skilled in strategy, economics, budgeting, project management and organizational design
• Currently serves on the Boards of the Alberta Energy Regulator and the Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission
• Former Chair of the Environmental Advisory Review Committee, Town of Canmore and Director of Emissions Reduction Alberta
• Chair, Audit, Evaluation and Human Resources Committee

Professional Affiliations, Degrees, and Distinctions:

• Bachelor and Master’s Degrees in Chemical Engineering with Management, University of Bradford
• P.Eng. (Alberta)
• ICD.D
• Master’s Certificate in Project Management, University of Lethbridge

More About Me:

• Outdoor enthusiast who enjoys skiing, hiking, mountain biking
• Community volunteer, with a particular focus on the environment, education and sports

Biographical Snapshot:

• Appointed Federal Alternate Board Member 2023
• Dr. Tareq Al-Zabet's professional career extends over 30 years of combined international and Canadian experience in areas of executive management, strategic planning, regulation, health, safety, oil and gas, renewable and nuclear energy, infrastructure, environmental protection, compliance, and enforcement
• A former Deputy Minister at Manitoba Infrastructure, Assistant Deputy Minister at Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Executive Director at Saskatchewan government and Senior Advisor at Alberta Energy Regulator
• Establishing partnerships, bilateral and tripartite agreements, cultivating relationships, gaining trust and credibility with federal and municipal governments, industry, Indigenous peoples, and the public
• A thorough knowledge and understanding of applicable environmental and energy federal and provincial legislations and regulations, common law, principles of natural justice, administrative law, due-process and fair representation, appeals, adjudications, dispute resolution and arbitration

Professional Affiliations, Degrees, and Distinctions:

• Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences
• Master’s Certificate in Executive Public-Administration Leadership
• Agile Project Management and LEAN - KAIZAN Practitioner
• Keynote speakers and lecturer at various Canadian Universities
• Member of the Canadian Registered Safety Board (CRSP)
• Strategic Management of Regulatory and Enforcement Agencies, Harvard’s J. F. K. School of Government
• Certified Practitioner in Agile Project Management and Lean and Value Stream Mapping
• Executive Leadership Certificate – Banff Leadership Center
• Tribunal Adjudication Certificate - Osgood Hall Law School
• Appropriate Dispute Resolution and Adjudicator Decision Making

More About Me:

• Enjoy spending time with family and friends
• Plays soccer occasionally and enjoys outdoor walks and hikes

Biographical Snapshot:

• Appointed to the Board of Directors in 2020
• Over 30 years of industry experience spanning North America
• Spent his early career with Amoco Canada Petroleum Company Ltd. in Alberta and at
  Amoco’s research centre in Tulsa Oklahoma
• Joined Nova Scotia Resources Limited in 1990, eventually serving as the General
  Manager
• Participated in the development of the Cohasset Panuke project and the Sable Offshore
  Energy Project
• Joined Pengrowth Energy Corporation, in 2002, where he participated in corporate
  acquisitions and developments and served as a member of Pengrowth’s leadership team

Professional Affiliations, Degrees, and Distinctions:

• Bachelor of Science, Dalhousie University
• Bachelor of Engineering, Dalhousie University

More About Me:

•  Jim enjoys family time, live theatre, symphony and local musical talent found in Nova
   Scotia

Biographical Snapshot:

• Appointed Provincial Alternate Board Member 2022
• More than 30 years experience in the energy industry including senior leadership roles in operations and project management, finance, commercial and contract negotiations, health, safety and environment, regulatory and stakeholder affairs
• Former Project Director and Asset Manager for Deep Panuke Offshore Gas Development Project with Ovintiv (formerly Encana)
• Participated in several applications and hearings with Canada Energy Regulator (National Energy Board), Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board and other regulatory agencies

Professional Affiliations, Degrees, and Distinctions:

• Bachelor of Commerce,  Mount Allison University
• Master of Business Administration, St. Mary’s University
• Director and Secretary-Treasurer, Oakfield Golf and Country Club
• Halifax Regional Municipality Investment Policy Advisory Committee

More About Me:

• Enjoys recreational hockey and golf as well as playing the guitar and relaxing at the family cottage in his spare time
• Community volunteer providing time and support to groups including sports teams and clubs, university alumni, health care initiatives and support for refugees

Biographical Snapshot:

• Appointed Provincial Board Member 2022
• Appointed Provincial Board Member 2016
• Over 35 years of experience in the environmental field in Canada and abroad, with a focus on environmental assessments, contingency and development plans and emergency response
• Managed Environment Canada’s Environmental Emergency Program in the Atlantic Region for over 25 years
• Led advisory teams on oil spill response in the Persian Gulf and South Korea
• Participated in the International Observer program, Macondo Blowout
• Chair, Health, Safety & Environment Advisory Committee

Professional Affiliations, Degrees, and Distinctions:

• BSc, Biology (Honours), Carleton University
• MSc, Fisheries and Wildlife, University of Guelph
• Member, Nova Scotia Aquaculture Review Board

More About Me:

• Enjoys spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren
• Loves gardening and boating

Role:

• Leading the day-to-day operations of the CNSOPB to ensure that the organization fulfills its regulatory mandate in a fair, efficient, legally compliant and consistent manner
• Board designated Registrar

Biographical Snapshot:

• Over 23 years of experience in regulatory oversight of oil and gas activities in the Canada-Nova Scotia offshore area
• Prior to her current role, Christine was the Director, Regulatory Affairs and Finance and Secretary of the Board and was responsible for licensing and rights management, industrial benefits, financial management and accounting, operator’s financial requirements, and coordinating organizational wide regulatory policy matters. Christine has also held the positions of Resources and Rights Analyst and Advisor, Reservoir Engineering and Rights Management with the CNSOPB 
• Christine has taken technical courses in petroleum engineering, applied reservoir engineering, national gas reservoir engineering, reservoir geology, financial management and risk management
• Christine is committed to the ongoing modernization of the regulatory framework governing offshore oil and gas activities (moving from a prescriptive to a more performance-based regulatory approach) in an effort to drive the continuous improvement of health, safety, and environmental performance with respect to offshore activity
• She is the youngest female Secretary to sit on our Board of Directors

Education, Affiliations, and Accolades:

• Masters of Business Administration, Saint Mary’s University
• Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering, Technical University of Nova Scotia
• Diploma in Engineering, University College of Cape Breton
• ICD.D Rotman School of Management
• Strategic Management of Regulatory and Enforcement Agencies, Harvard University
• Canadian Risk Management Designation
• Association of Professional Engineers of Nova Scotia (Engineers Nova Scotia)
• Society of Petroleum Engineers
• 2021 Engineers Nova Scotia Citizenship Award
• 2017 Winner of the Progress Woman of Excellence in Management and the Professions
• 2007 Association of Professional Engineers of Nova Scotia J.D. Fraser Service Award
• 2005 Association of Professional Engineers of Nova Scotia Young Engineer of the Year
• Fellow of Engineers Canada
• Volunteers with Engineers Nova Scotia and Brigadoon Village.

More About Me:

• Proud hockey and soccer mom
• Amateur photographer
• Enjoys spending time with family and friends at her family cottage

Role:

• Provides administrative support services to the Chief Executive Officer, General Counsel, management team, and Board of Directors

Biographical Snapshot:

• Over four years of experience with the CNSOPB
• Previous administrative experience working in the private sector

Education, Affiliations, and Accolades:

• Bachelor of Office Administration, Mount Saint Vincent University

More About Me:

• Karen enjoys spending time with her family and friends, especially her granddaughter
• Karen also has a passion for cooking, travel, Zumba, yoga, hiking, and beach-walking

Role:

• Occupational Health and Safety Officer, Operational Safety Officer, Conservation Officer
• Directs a diverse team of professionals with a broad range of expertise in health, safety environment and oil and gas and marine operations
• Directs the Operations/Health, Safety, and Environment Department’s review and approval of activity authorizations for proposed offshore oil and gas activities, including the review of a broad suite of operator and associated contractor safety, security, environmental and operational plans
• Directs the CNSOPB’s monitoring and assessment of regulatory compliance of authorized activities, including, but not limited to, review of operator reports, workplace inspections and audits, and response to incidents/accidents
• Represents the CNSOPB on a variety of national and international committees including, but not limited to, the Environmental Studies Research Fund, the International Offshore Petroleum Environment Regulators, the Steering Committee for the development of new Occupational, Health and Safety Regulations and the Impact Assessment Working Group

Biographical Snapshot:

• Over 20 years of experience in health, safety, environment and regulatory affairs supporting oil and gas operations, including over four years with the CNSOPB
• Specializes in the application and administration of offshore oil and gas legislation as it relates to health, safety, environment, and operations and oversight of offshore operations
• Previously worked within industry in a leadership role managing the health, safety, environment and regulatory aspects of offshore and onshore oil and gas major projects 
• Previous experience working for an environmental engineering company, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers

Education, Affiliations and Accolades:

• Executive Leadership, Dalhousie University
• Master of Science, Organic Geochemistry, University of Victoria
• Master of Marine Management, Marine Environmental Protection, Dalhousie University
• Bachelors of Science, Biology and Geology (Honours), Memorial University
• Canadian Registered Safety Professional
• Member of the Canadian Society of Safety Engineers
• Member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers
• Completed a number of training courses including, but not limited to, auditing, incident investigation, emergency preparedness and response, strategic management of regulatory and enforcement agencies, safety leadership, and quality

More About Me:

• Proud mother to a young son
• Outdoor enthusiast who enjoys swimming, cycling, hiking, running, and kayaking
• World traveller who enjoys experiencing different cultures

Role:

• Conservation Officer
• Advises on geophysical matters relating to oil and gas exploration, development and production
• Studies geological and geophysical data to better understand the geology and hydrocarbon potential of the Canada-Nova Scotia offshore area
• Reviews geoscience aspects of industry submitted activity authorizations, reports and plans
• Conducts audits and inspections to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements

Biographical Snapshot:

• Kris has 19 years of petroleum geoscience experience including 12 years with the CNSOPB
• Prior to joining the CNSOPB, Kris worked with as a Marine Geophysicist and as a Petroleum Geophysicist at the Nova Scotia Department of Energy and Mines
• While working at the CNSOPB, he has authored a number of geoscience publications which have helped to enhance the understanding of the geology of the Canada-Nova Scotia offshore area
• Has published research about Canada-Nova Scotia’s offshore geology, and recently co-authored (with a co-worker) a book chapter titled: A Review of Mesozoic-Cenozoic Salt Tectonics Along the Scotian Margin, Eastern Canada
• Involved in the development of the new performance-based Framework Regulations and associated guidance
• Kris has completed a number of technical training courses in geology, salt tectonics and seismic interpretation

Education, Affiliations, and Accolades:

• Bachelor of Science (Geology), Saint Mary’s University
• Registered Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.)
• Member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists
• Member of the Atlantic Geoscience Society

More About Kris:

• In the winter, Kris can be found in the rink with his kids for hockey and ringette
• In the summer, he’s on the water fly fishing, canoeing, and kayaking with his family

Role:

• Chief Safety Officer, Occupational Health and Safety Officer, Operational Safety Officer, Administrative Monetary Penalty Officer
• Leads the development and continuous improvement of regulatory oversight practices for the Operations/Health, Safety and Environment team
• Analyzes and evaluates operator regulatory compliance and management systems, with a focus on emergency response plans and procedures, safety plans, and training and competency of personnel
• Provides advice regarding compliance and enforcement actions within areas of authority

Biographical Snapshot:

• More than 25 years of health, safety, and environmental experience, including over 10 years experience with the CNSOPB
• Completed training in a variety of role-related Health, Safety and Environment topics, including emergency response and incident command systems, auditing, and incident investigation
• Contributed to the federal and provincial governments’ efforts to include occupational health and safety under the Accord Acts legislation

Education, Affiliations, and Accolades:

• Bachelor of Technology (Environmental), University College of Cape Breton
• Engineering Technology Diploma (Environmental), University College of Cape Breton
• Canadian Registered Safety Professional

More About Me:

• Robert enjoys playing recreational hockey and coaching his son’s hockey team
• Other interests include outdoor activities, and exploring scenic and historic sites throughout Nova Scotia with family

Role:

• Provides legal advice to the CNSOPB
• Advises on the development of the CNSOPB’s regulatory policy
• Secretary of the Board

Biographical Snapshot:

• 15 years of current experience working with the CNSOPB
• Previously worked as Senior Solicitor with the Nova Scotia Department of Justice

Education, Affiliations, and Accolades:

• Bachelor of Laws, Dalhousie University
• Bachelor Of Arts (Honours), Dalhousie University
• Called to Nova Scotia Bar in 1995
• Certified In-House Counsel, Canada (CIC.C), Canadian Corporate Counsel Association and the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto

More About Me:

• Avid tennis player, cyclist
• Aspiring dart pro

Role:

• Manages and leads the Information Services team (Geoscience Data Management, Information Technology, and Corporate Records)
• Provides Information Management and Technology strategic direction for the CNSOPB

Biographical Snapshot:

• Over 22 years of experience with the CNSOPB
• Prior experience providing Information Technology to the Conference and Special Events department with Saint Mary’s University

Professional Affiliations, Degrees, and Accolades:

• Executive Certificate in Leadership, Dalhousie University
• IT Management Program, Queen’s University
• Certified in Supervisory Development, Saint Mary’s University 
• Bachelor of Arts, Saint Mary’s University
• Board Member, Public Archives of Nova Scotia
• President, Association of Records Managers and Administrators

More About Me:

• Troy enjoys travelling, playing golf, and spending time with his wife and kids

Overview:

• Our Communications Advisor is responsible for leading the implementation of the CNSOPB’s communications strategy and helping with the transition to become the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator. This includes stakeholder engagement, media and government relations, and internal and external communications strategies.

Role:

• Lead the development and execution of communication activities.
• Lead the implementation of communication strategies.
• Maintain effective relationships with media, respond to / coordinate all media calls and requests for interviews, and organize other events.
• Prepare news releases, holding statements, speeches, presentations, etc.
• Oversee, maintain, and maximize effectiveness of website, intranet, and social media content, in collaboration with the Management Team.
• Support the Director, Operations/Health, Safety & Environment in the coordination of the Indigenous engagement process.

Biographical Snapshot:

• Colleen joined the CNSOPB in October 2023
• Colleen began her communications career in 2009 at Ovintiv (formerly Encana)

Professional Affiliations, Degrees, and Distinctions:

• Bachelor of Arts Degree, Major in History, Mount Saint Vincent University
• Advanced Diploma in Public Relations, Nova Scotia Community College
• Member of the International Association of Business Communicators

More About Me:

• Colleen enjoys spending time with her friends and family, especially her husband, young daughter, and cat.
• Colleen has a passion for reading, yoga, travelling, and spending time outside.

Role:

• Responsible for general accounting and payroll, including preparing monthly financial reports
• Authorized to handle sensitive and confidential information, working closely with the external Auditor during year end audit

Biographical Snapshot:

• Over 15 years of experience with the CNSOPB, and over 30 years of experience in her field
• Is proud to have had no audit findings as a result of her important role in effectively managing her day-to-day accounting responsibilities

Education, Affiliations, and Accolades:

• Accounting Diploma, Oulton’s Business College
• Currently working towards a Payroll Compliance Practitioner Certification

More About Me:

• Shelley enjoys spending time with family, volunteering at and attending her son’s sports activities, traveling and relaxing at her family cottage

Role:

• Responsible for day-to-day operations of human resources
• Developing, planning, and implementing human resources policies and programs
• Administers the cost recovery system
• Coordinates the internal audit process
• Supports the Audit, Evaluation and Human Resources Committee 

Biographical Snapshot:

• Tara has spent twelve years with the CNSOPB
• She started her career in human resources with TD Insurance

Professional Affiliations, Degrees, and Distinctions:

• Bachelor of Commerce Degree, Saint Mary’s University
• Advanced Diploma in Human Resources, NSCC
• Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR)
• Developed the employee reward and recognition program at CNSOPB

More About Me:

• Tara enjoys spending time with her husband, two young daughters, and their family bulldog Stewie
• Tara is personable and loves finding solutions to problems

Role:

• Curates and manages geological and geophysical data and subsurface samples at the CNSOPB Geoscience Research Centre
• Scans archival data for the CNSOPB Data Management Centre, and provides scanning support for all staff
• Assists clients by arranging data loans and access to physical samples for research projects
   

Biographical Snapshot:

• Over nine years experience with the CNSOPB, helping to create efficiencies within the organization   

Education, Affiliations, and Accolades:

• Library Technician Diploma, Nova Scotia Community College

More About Me:

• Enjoys learning new things
• Hobbies include crocheting, reading, and watching British television
• Has entirely too many pets!

Role:

• Administers and supports servers, storage arrays, networking and workstations
• Provides IT support for the CNSOPB team
• Provides service and support to the CNSOPB content management system; Documentum
• Backup and recovery of digital data

Biographical Snapshot:

• Jason has 20 years experience having spent 11 years with the CNSOPB.
• Provided research and recommendations that resulted in a virtualized IT infrastructure that complements and supports the business continuity and disaster recovery plan.
• Prior to joining CNSOPB, Jason worked for the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board where he was a Regional Team Leader responsible for the maintenance of the school’s networks, servers and PC deployment.

Professional Affiliations, Degrees, and Distinctions:

• Bachelor of Commerce, Saint Mary’s University
• IT Diploma, Career Blazers Learning Centre

More About Me:

• Jason is a sports enthusiast who enjoys playing baseball, basketball, hockey, rugby and golf
• He loves the outdoors where he enjoys hiking, fishing and camping
• Jason also enjoys carpentry

Role:

• Supports the Data Management Centre system, helping individuals to obtain data for research purposes
• Curates and digitizes legacy seismic data for internal study and long term preservation

Biographical Snapshot:

• Over 10 years of experience with the CNSOPB, and has been involved with the DMC since its inception
• Prior experience working as a Wellsite Geologist and as a Wellsite Consultant 

Education, Affiliations, and Accolades:

• Bachelor of Science, Geology, Saint Mary’s University

More About Me:

• When not working, John enjoys travelling, cooking, trying new cultural cuisine, and watching and participating in sports
• John also spends his spare time tracing his ancestry, and spending time with his family

Currently vacant

Role:

• Conduct regular inventories and audits of content within the Information Management System (IMS) to assess accuracy, completeness, and adherence to established policies and procedures.
• Organize scanned information into CNSOPB file structures and naming conventions.
• Categorize and file information based on predefined criteria.
• Conduct quality checks on scanned information to ensure accuracy, legibility, and completeness.

Biographical Snapshot:

• Two years of volunteer experience with Halifax Public Library
• Previous circulation service and records management experience working with Killam Memorial Library

Education, Affiliations, and Accolades:

• Library Information and Technology Diploma, Nova Scotia Community College

More About Me:

• When not working, Zizheng enjoys playing the piano, staying active at the gym, honing his culinary skills in the kitchen, embarking on journeys to new places, and delving into the world of books.

Role:

• Supports and leads projects related to assigned portfolios, including: policy, financial requirements, and governance
• Maintains databases
• Member, Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee

Biographical Snapshot:

• Over seven years of experience with the CNSOPB
• Recently completed an intense program on risk management, while balancing her daily work projects
• Prior to joining CNSOPB, Nichole completed an internship with the Department of National Defence, before finishing her master’s degree, and on a part-time basis during her final year of studies 

Education, Affiliations, and Accolades:

• Master of Public Administration, Dalhousie University
• Bachelor of Arts, Political Science and History, Saint Mary's University
• Canadian Risk Management Designation

More About Me:

• When she’s not working, Nichole enjoys backcountry camping, walking her dog, and travelling

Role:

• Conservation Officer
• Regulatory enforcement, including auditing of offshore platforms and seismic vessels, to ensure protection of marine life, marine habitat, species at risk and their critical habitat, and Marine Protected Areas
• Leads the review of environmental aspects of operators’ activity authorization applications
• Leads the CNSOPB Strategic Environmental Assessment process
• Acts as a key liaison with the Fisheries and Oceans Canada, other government agencies, fisheries groups and other stakeholders to establish and maintain strong working relationships, exchange information and inform and educate
• Chair of the CNSOPB Fisheries Advisory Committee
• Oversees offshore petroleum environmental assessments and environmental effects monitoring

Biographical Snapshot:

• Over 16 years of experience working in marine conservation, including over 15 years with the CNSOPB
• Prior to joining CNSOPB, Elizabeth worked in habitat management with Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Professional Affiliations, Degrees, and Accolades:

• Bachelor of Science, Dalhousie University
• Designated Environmental Professional (specializing in Policy and Legislation), ECO Canada
• Contributor, Essay on Mitigation of Offshore Oil and Gas in the text book publication “Essays in Honour of Elisabeth Mann Borgese” by the International Ocean Institute
• Completed a number of technical courses including but not limited to, environmental inspection and investigations, auditing, dispersant awareness and monitoring, and oil spill clearance

More About Me:

• Avid outdoor enthusiast, who enjoys hiking, kayaking, fishing, skiing and snowshoeing.
• Bucket list includes visiting all of Canada’s National Parks.

Role:

• Conservation Officer
• Lead reviewer of environmental aspects of operators’ activity authorization applications
• Conducts audits and inspections to ensure compliance with environmental legislation, regulations and other requirements
• Leads environmental incident reviews and follow-ups
• Acts as a key liaison with the Impact Assessment Agency and other government departments, stakeholders and Indigenous communities, both formally and informally, to establish and maintain strong working relationships, exchange information, inform and educate, and fulfill commitments regarding regulatory requirements for consultation
• Plays a lead role in the development of internal CNSOPB policy as it relates to environmental protection and assessment
• Liaises with expert government agencies

Biographical Snapshot:

• Over 22 years of experience as environmental practitioner, including nearly four years with the CNSOPB
• Over 18 years of experience conducting environmental assessments in various sectors, such as mining, transportation, oil and gas, renewable energy, contaminated sites, and other infrastructure
• Expertise in environmental protection and management, compliance monitoring and inspection, communicating with government officials and stakeholders, and regulatory affairs
• During her time at the CNSOPB, Janice acted as the overall authorization coordinator for the BP drilling program and she was the lead CNSOPB reviewer of the environmental assessment for the BP drilling program

Professional Affiliations, Degrees, and Accolades:

• Bachelors of Science in Engineering (Geological), University of New Brunswick
• Completed a variety of training courses including, but not limited to, Indigenous consultation, auditing, incident investigation, emergency preparedness and response, oil spill clearance and pollution prevention planning.

More About Me:

• Personal interests include, reading, music, family time, hiking with my dog and enjoying the outdoors.

Role:

• Access to Information and Privacy Coordinator
• Research on the regulatory process of Offshore Renewable Wind Energy in countries with established offshore renewable energy projects
• Acting Chair, Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee
• Maintains and supports the CNSOPB Electronic Information Management System 

Biographical Snapshot:

• Over ten years of experience with the CNSOPB
• Previous archives and records management experience working with Dalhousie University, the provincial and municipal governments, and Mount Saint Vincent University

Education, Affiliations, and Accolades:

• Library Information and Technology Diploma, Nova Scotia Community College
• Bachelor of Arts, Saint Mary’s University
• Arts, Literature and Communication Diploma, Dawson College
• Member, ARMA International
• Essentials of Records and Information Management Certificate, ARMA International

More About Me:

• When not working, Kenda likes to make photographs, draw, write, and daydream about home ownership

Role:

• Provides mapping support, using Geographic Information Systems software
• Provides graphics support for conference posters and panels and other CNSOPB publications and presentations
• Responsible for the loading, quality control and management of offshore seismic data

Biographical Snapshot:

• Brian has 26 years of experience including 18 years with the CNSOPB
• Prior to joining the CNSOPB, Brian worked in the petroleum industry as a Geological Technician
• Has authored and co-authored numerous map sets that have been included with CNSOPB geoscience publications
• Brian has completed a number of technical training courses in geographic information systems and geoscience data management

Education, Affiliations, and Accolades:

• Master of Science in Earth Sciences, Lehigh University
• Bachelor of Science, Geology (Honours), Dalhousie University

More About Me:

• Brian enjoys distance running (half-marathons and marathons), and tries to run the Cabot Trail Relay Race every year 
• He enjoys travelling to Latin America when he has time off

Role:

• Supports and leads projects related to assigned portfolios, including: policy, financial requirements, and governance
• Maintains databases
• Provides support to the Director, Resources & Rights with respect to rights management

Biographical Snapshot:

• Over seven years of experience in Federal & Provincial Government with a background in regulation and administration. 
• Prior to joining CNSOPB, Cameron worked with the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. He previously worked with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources & Renewables while completing his master’s degree.

Education, Affiliations, and Accolades:

• Master of Public Administration, Dalhousie University
• Bachelor of Management, Major in Leadership and Organizations, Dalhousie University

More About Me:

• When he’s not working, Cameron enjoys hiking, board games, and reading. 
• Cameron is currently Curator of the Global Shapers Halifax Hub, which runs community-based projects in and around Halifax.

Role:

• Advises on geological matters relating to oil and gas exploration, development and production
• Studies geological and geophysical data to better understand the geology and hydrocarbon potential of the Canada-Nova Scotia offshore area
• Reviews geoscience aspects of industry submitted activity authorizations, reports and plans to ensure compliance with CNSOPB regulatory requirements

Biographical Snapshot:

• Mark has 20 years of petroleum geoscience experience including 12 years with the CNSOPB
• Prior to joining the CNSOPB, Mark worked in the petroleum industry as a Petroleum Geologist and as a Research Scientist with the Geological Survey of Canada
• He specializes in marine geology, with expertise in deepwater depositional systems, stratigraphy, and salt tectonics
• He has authored a number of peer-reviewed and technical publications covering subjects ranging from submarine fan architecture to Atlantic Canada’s offshore geology
• Mark has completed and instructed a number of technical training courses in petroleum geology, deepwater stratigraphy, salt tectonics and seismic interpretation

Education, Affiliations, and Accolades:

• PhD in Earth Sciences (Marine Geology), Dalhousie University
• Bachelor of Science, Geology (Honours), Saint Mary’s University
• Former Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) visiting fellow, NSERC post-graduate scholar and Killam graduate scholar
• Adjunct Professor, Earth Sciences, Dalhousie University 
• Member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists
• Member of the Atlantic Geoscience Society

More About Me:

• Mark enjoys spending time on, in, or around the water – he loves all things “subsea”

Role:

• Advises on geophysical matters relating to oil and gas exploration, development and production.
• Studies geological and geophysical data to better understand the geology and hydrocarbon potential of the Canada-Nova Scotia offshore area.
• Reviews geoscience aspects of industry submitted activity authorizations, reports and plans.

Biographical Snapshot:

• Matteo has 18 years of petroleum geoscience experience.
• Prior to joining the CNSOPB, Matteo worked as Geophysicist in the Oil and Gas Industry in Calgary, Alberta and Stavanger, Norway.
• Has written a scientific blog for 10 years with focus on scientific computing in geoscience; he has published articles on the use of colors in seismic visualization and interpretation.
• Matteo has completed several technical training courses in Earth sciences, seismic interpretation and analysis, and scientific computing.

Education, Affiliations, and Accolades:

• Master of Science (Geophysics), University of Calgary
• Bachelor of Science (Earth Sciences), University of Rome, Italy
• Registered Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.)
• Member of the Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysics

More About Matteo:

• Matteo enjoys longboarding, juggling, drawing, and swimming in the ocean.
• He loves traveling, eating, playing games, and watching movies with his family.