Province Clarifies Onshore Regulation

The province is taking steps to ensure the proper government departments and agencies have the authority to carry out key responsibilities in the regulation and development of Nova Scotia's onshore petroleum resources.

The departments and agencies have signed a memorandum of understanding outlining responsibilities for matters such as environmental protection, occupational health and safety and resource management. The memorandum follows from recommendations by the Westray Inquiry.

Gordon Balser, Minister Responsible for the Petroleum Directorate, introduced legislation today that reflects the agreement in the memorandum of understanding.

"This legislation helps provide clear and consistent lines of responsibility for safety and the environment in Nova Scotia," said Mr. Balser. "The Petroleum Directorate will ensure that the resource is properly managed from a long-term economic point of view, but other regulatory responsibilities are best handled by others."

For example, the Department of Labour will continue to maintain responsibility for worker health and safety in the onshore oil and gas industry. This bill will eliminate references to Health and Safety and the Environment under the Energy and Mineral Resources Conservation Act.

Labour Minister Angus MacIsaac said the legislation reflects an important lesson learned following the Westray coal mine explosion in 1992.

"Nova Scotians know that divided responsibilities for worker safety can lead to tragedy. This bill ensures that regulation of worker health and safety in all areas of provincial jurisdiction is the sole responsibility of the provincial Department of Labour."

Acting Environment Minister Michael Baker said a similar approach to environmental regulation is also adopted.

"Promotion of economic development and protection of the environment require different approaches," said Mr. Baker. "By putting responsibilities for these activities in separate authorities, the interests of each will be better served."

The legislation introduced today includes amendments that will also clarify regulatory powers and a number of minor housekeeping matters such as updating references to other organizations using current names. The bill makes amendments to the Energy and Mineral Resources Conservation Act, the Petroleum Resources Act, and the Pipeline Act.