OVERVIEW

The Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Accord Implementation Acts (Accord Acts) give special emphasis to promoting the participation of the Nova Scotian and Canadian workforce in offshore activities.

BENEFITS PLANS

Under the Accord Acts (S.45), a Canada-Nova Scotia Benefits Plan must be submitted and approved before any development plan or work authorization is granted. Under a Benefits Plan, an operator must commit to the fundamental principles of full and fair opportunity to Nova Scotians and Canadians, to participate in the supply of good and services. The Benefits Plan must also contain provisions intended to ensure that:

• first consideration for training and employment is to residents of Nova Scotia;
• first consideration is given to services provided from within the Province, and to goods manufactured in the Province, where those services and goods are competitive in terms of fair market price, quality and delivery;
• an Office is established in Nova Scotia where appropriate levels of decision-making will take place; and
• a program is carried out and expenditures made for the promotion of education and training, and research and development in the Province in relation to petroleum resource activities in the offshore area.

Benefits Plans may also contain provisions to ensure disadvantaged individuals or groups have access to training and employment opportunities; and, to enable such individuals or groups or corporations owned or cooperatives operated by them to participate in the supply of goods and services used in any proposed work or activity referred to in the benefits plan.