Oil and Gas

Federal Regulation Responsibility

Offshore oil and gas activity is the responsibility of Natural Resources Canada (south of 60º latitude) and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (north of 60º latitude).

However, Fisheries and Oceans Canada maintains authorities that directly influence energy exploration and development in all geographic areas. Key responsibilities include:

• protecting the marine environment;
• facilitating the development of integrated oceans management plans;
• providing expert scientific advice on marine ecosystems;
• conducting environmental assessment and regulation; and
• providing marine transportation safety and environmental spill response through the Canadian Coast Guard.

Oil and Gas Exploration on Canada’s East Coast

On Canada’s east coast, as part of the Atlantic Accords made with Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia, the authorities responsible for regulating offshore oil and gas activities and resources on behalf of the federal and provincial governments are:

• Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board
• Canada–Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board

In non-Accord areas:

• The National Energy Board regulates all oil and gas activities under the Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act.
• Rights and benefits are administered under the Canada Petroleum Resources Act (by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada’s Northern Oil and Gas Directorate for Canada’s territories and northern offshore areas, and by Natural Resources Canada’s Frontier Lands Management Division for all other non-Accord areas).

Oil and Gas Exploration on Canada’s West Coast

Some oil and gas exploration has occurred on Canada’s west coast in the past. However, further activity is on hold subject to the federal moratorium on oil and gas activities offshore British Columbia.

Natural Resources Canada, in collaboration with other federal departments, including Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the Province of British Columbia have worked hard to understand the implications of lifting the federal moratorium.

Both governments have been involved in thorough, independent scientific reviews and consultations with First Nations and the general public. The bulk of this work is now complete. However, federal authorities continue to assess resource potential and look to resolve some of the scientific issues identified in the review process.

For More Information

For more information on recent activities related to rights issuance, exploration and development, go to:

• Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board
• Canada–Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board
• Frontier Lands Management Division — Natural Resources Canada
• National Energy Board
• Northern Oil and Gas Directorate — Indian and Northern Affairs Canada