On October 28, 2024, the Framework Regulations came into force. You can learn more about the Framework Regulations by visiting this link on our Latest News webpage.

In consideration of the Canada-Nova Scotia Petroleum Operations Framework Regulations coming into force on October 28, 2024, the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board (CNSOPB) and the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB) have reviewed and updated the following guidelines with minor changes:

The Frontier and Offshore Regulatory Renewal Initiative (FORRI) was established in 2005 with the objective of regulatory renewal and modernization.

In consideration of the Framework Regulations coming into force on October 28, 2024, the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board (CNSOPB) and Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB) have reviewed the Cost Recovery Guideline to identify any necessary updates. While there were no directly related changes identified for the Cost Recovery Guideline, we have proceeded with minor updates of the following nature:

Notice – Public Comments on the draft Guidelines for the Framework Regulations

The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB) and the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board (CNSOPB) are inviting comments on draft guidelines related to the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Area Petroleum Operations Framework Regulations, SOR/2024-25 and the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Area Petroleum Operations Framework Regulations, SOR/2024-26 (referred to collectively as the “Framework Regulations”).

Background Information

The Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board (CNSOPB) is governed by an independent Board of Directors comprised of provincial and federal appointees and a board chair. The Board sets the CNSOPB’s policies and programs through strategic, ethical, and transparent lenses in the stewardship and regulation of offshore petroleum resources.

In addition to their valued contributions to our Board, our Board of Directors are active members in their communities and dedicate their time, resources, and expertise to numerous organizations.

The 2023 Atlantic Canada Offshore Petroleum Industry Safe Lifting Practice Respecting the Design, Operation and Maintenance of Materials Handling Equipment (CoP-SL) has been published.  This update to the CoP-SL included consultation with all stakeholders engaged in the Atlantic Canada offshore petroleum industry, including service providers, suppliers, employees/employers, and the CNSOPB and C-NLOPB.

The federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Canada and the provincial Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables have jointly set aside (vetoed) the fundamental decision pertaining to the issuance of Exploration Licence 2437 for Parcel #8 to Inceptio Limited.

The Work Expenditure Bid deposit received by the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board will be returned to Inceptio Limited. Parcel #8 will no longer be up for bid and will remain as Crown land.

(Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada) – The Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board’s (CNSOPB) Call for Bids NS22-1 resulted in one successful bid.

Two bids were submitted to the CNSOPB prior to the closing of the Call for Bids NS22-1 on September 19, 2023. One bid was received for Parcel #5 and one bid was received for Parcel #8. Inceptio Limited is the successful bidder for Parcel #8 with a $1,500,000 CAD Work Expenditure Bid.

The 2023 Atlantic Canada Offshore Petroleum Code of Practice for the Training and Qualifications of Offshore Personnel (CoP-TQ) has been published.  The CoP-TQ is the culmination of a joint effort among the offshore petroleum industry, drilling contractors, the offshore workforce, and regulatory authorities to produce a single document containing a concise description of the minimum qualifications and certificated safety training required of individuals working in Atlantic Canada’s offshore petroleum industry.