Marine Renewables Canada Celebrates Passage of Offshore Wind Legislation

Yesterday, amendments to federal legislation that will establish a joint management regime with the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia for offshore wind development became law. Bill C-49, An Act to amend the Canada—Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act and the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act, reached Royal Assent, expanding the mandates of the Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador offshore petroleum boards to include the regulation of offshore renewable energy, and notably, offshore wind.
“The passage of Bill C-49 is a significant milestone for offshore wind in Canada. It is no longer a question – this industry is happening,” said Elisa Obermann, Executive Director at Marine Renewables Canada. “This legislation creates the certainty and confidence needed to advance offshore wind in Atlantic Canada, which has the potential to yield environmental, community, and economic benefits for years to come.”
Bill C-49 was catalyzed through the strong collaboration amongst the governments of Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia. The Province of Nova Scotia has recently passed amendments mirroring the federal legislation through Bill 471, Advancing Nova Scotia Opportunities Act, and it is anticipated that Newfoundland and Labrador will table mirror legislation in the coming months.
“The leadership and unified approach between the federal and provincial governments sends a strong signal that Canada is committed to establishing an offshore wind industry. Marine Renewables Canada and its members look forward to continuing our work with government and other entities to build a responsible, sustainable, and inclusive offshore wind sector that will accelerate Canada’s clean energy mix for tomorrow’s generations,” stated Obermann.
Achieving this legislative milestone supports the ongoing work required to establish offshore wind in Canada. This includes a focus on industry priorities such as market development, infrastructure such as grids and ports, supply chain development, and responsible planning to ensure co-existence with other ocean users. Marine Renewables Canada will be holding its annual conference in Halifax on November 19-21, bringing industry together at this ideal time to collaborate on the path forward for offshore wind development.
Related links
→ Bill C-49
→ Bill 471
→ Natural Resources Canada News Release
About Marine Renewables Canada
Marine Renewables Canada is the national association for tidal, offshore wind, wave and river current energy, representing technology and project developers, suppliers, utilities, Indigenous organizations, researchers, and communities. We strive to champion Canada’s growing marine renewable energy sector through advocacy, engagement, and education and expand market opportunities across the country and globally.
More at www.marinerenewables.ca
– 30 –
Media contact:
Catherine Warren
Director, Communications & Engagement
(709) 771-1186