Côté's 'wealth of expertise and experience will help us ensure the independence, transparency and effectiveness of the OEB’s adjudication process'
Following what is said was a “competitive recruitment process”, the Ontario Energy Board has named Damien A. Côté as its new chief commissioner.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to welcome Damien to the OEB,” said Mark E. White, chair of the board. “Damien’s wealth of expertise and experience will help us ensure the independence, transparency and effectiveness of the OEB’s adjudication process, in the service of those we regulate and the people of Ontario.”
The board made the announcement on March 21.
Prior to his appointment, Côté spent three years as a board member of the (former) National Energy Board, followed by three years as the inaugural lead commissioner at the Canada Energy Regulator (CER).
He was also the executive director of the Nunavut Water Board in Gjoa Haven (Nunavut), and chief operating officer of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation in Inuvik (Northwest Territories). Côté also served as a member of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.
He holds a Juris Doctor and a Licentiate of Laws from the University of Ottawa, a Master of Arts (Economics) from the University of Toronto, as well as a Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental) and a Bachelor of Arts (Economics) from Carleton University.
“I am very excited to be joining the OEB team,” said Côté. “This organization has a reputation for regulatory excellence across the country. I am looking forward to working with fellow Commissioners to maintain that good standing.”
Côté‘s appointment is effective April 1, 2025.
The board of directors also thanked Lynne Anderson, who is retiring after 15 years of service to the OEB, including her last five years as chief commissioner.
“Lynne’s work was critical in modernizing the OEB, particularly her focus on increasing effectiveness and efficiency of our adjudicative processes,” said White. “I wish her all the best in her retirement.”
