Premier’s Statement on Offshore Oil, Gas Regional Assessment

NOTE: The following is a statement from Premier Tim Houston in response to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada launching public engagement for its regional assessment for offshore oil and gas exploration drilling today, May 19. The project web page is at: https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/proj/90228

Today, the federal government launched a public consultation process for its regional assessment for oil and gas exploratory drilling in Nova Scotia’s offshore. This is a positive and important step forward for Nova Scotia.

I asked the Hon. Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature, for this assessment last December, and I appreciate her positive response.

Nova Scotia is ready to rebuild our offshore oil and natural gas sector safely and responsibly. We can do this within a regulatory process that is clear, efficient and competitive. Lengthy and duplicative reviews – often taking years – have discouraged investment and put our province at a disadvantage.

This regional assessment will draw on decades of regulating oil and gas projects in Atlantic Canada and the recent regional assessment for offshore wind. It will help provide clarity for industry, strengthen environmental protection and ensure that decisions are informed by science and public input.

This approach worked well in Newfoundland and Labrador, improving the effectiveness and efficiency of assessments for specific offshore projects.

Nova Scotia is ready to be in the offshore oil and gas business again because we know it will create jobs, strengthen our energy security and generate revenues that support healthcare, education and communities.

Nova Scotians can participate in how it moves forward by reviewing and commenting on the regional assessment as it progresses.