Advocacy & memberships

We regularly participate in policy discussions as part of our membership with business associations and other groups, providing guidance to encourage alignment of these groups' sustainability stances with that of Cenovus. We urge the third-party groups we support to be fact-driven in their public positioning and solutions-oriented. Cenovus supports groups that are generally aligned with our corporate objectives, strategy, targets and ambition, recognizing that industry groups must balance the diverse views of their members and perfect alignment with Cenovus's priorities is not always possible. Where misalignment is encountered, Cenovus works to persuade our peers of the merits of our position as we strive to be a constructive voice in the public policy space. While we might not always be successful in persuading others of our view, we firmly believe that in almost all cases it is better to be present and represent a constructive, diverse view than to be absent from the dialogue.

View a full list of Cenovus advocacy membership and sponsorships in 2022 here.

Lobbying

We comply with the applicable lobbying and election laws and reporting requirements in the jurisdictions where we operate. We have rigorous internal policies and procedures for lobbying and comply with all laws requiring companies to record their lobbying activities with applicable government registries. 

All Cenovus lobbying is conducted in alignment with our Code of Business Conduct & Ethics, and Cenovus seeks public policy solutions that preserve shareholder value and align with our corporate objectives, strategy, targets and ambition. 

Our position on key issues

Learn more about our position on key issues, such as climate change, the role of oil and natural gas in a low carbon future and energy security.

Governance of memberships and sponsorships

At Cenovus we are committed to maintaining, promoting and enforcing the highest standards of integrity and corporate governance practices in all aspects of our business. Memberships and sponsorships, including where indirect political advocacy could occur, are managed by teams reporting to the Chief Sustainability Officer & Executive Vice-President, Stakeholder Engagement.

Opportunities for membership and sponsorship are reviewed within relevant teams. The level of management involvement in the decision-making process for memberships and sponsorships, through either consultation or final approval, depends on either the financial cost or the level of importance of the issues involved. In some cases, a sponsorship may include review and approval by members of our leadership team. We consider sponsorship opportunities that directly support a Cenovus business objective. Our eligibility requirements specify that sponsorships cannot support political fundraising events. While not all initiatives we sponsor have a policy element, some sponsorships may support some type of advocacy, such as communicating a policy position broadly or facilitating cross-sector dialogue in which government officials may participate.

  • Public Lobbying Reports

    A list of Cenovus's active lobbyist registrations are linked below. These disclosures are updated periodically in accordance with the legal requirements of the jurisdictions where Cenovus operates.

  • Political activities

    Cenovus respects the political process and may make financial contributions to political parties, committees, and their representatives in jurisdictions where Cenovus conducts business or where there may be an impact on Cenovus’s business, and where such contributions are allowed by law.  Our employees, contractors and Board directors may choose to become involved in political activities as long as they undertake these activities on their own behalf and may, on a personal level, give to any political party or candidate. Reimbursement by the company is prohibited.

  • Conflicts of interest

    Our employees, contractors and Board directors are also required to avoid where possible, and otherwise declare to the company and take steps to manage, situations where personal interests could conflict, or appear to conflict, with duties and responsibilities or the interests of Cenovus. This would include any situation involving a public official or individuals employed by any membership or sponsorship organizations we are associated with. Conflict of Interest Declaration forms must be completed and filed on a timely basis and include mitigation approved by a supervisor and vice-president.

  • Reporting violations of the Code

    Cenovus Board directors, employees and contractors are strongly encouraged to report business conduct concerns or violations of the Code to the appropriate Cenovus authorities, or through the company’s anonymous Integrity Helpline.

Additional information