Courtesy of Osler. View original article here. On January 25, 2021, the Alberta Court of Appeal (the ABCA) released its reasons in PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc. v Perpetual Energy Inc., 2021 ABCA 16 (Perpetual Energy). While the issue before the ABCA was of a preliminary nature — namely whether the claims of the trustee in bankruptcy (the Trustee) should… [Read More…] about Environmental Obligations and the Role of the Trustee in Bankruptcy
Canada Launches Clean Electricity Procurement Process with Emphasis on Alberta Solar
Courtesy of Osler. View original article here. On January 7, 2021, the federal government, through Public Services and Procurement Canada (Procurement Canada), announced the launch of two Alberta-specific and two Canada-wide procurement processes designed to further the Government’s Clean Electricity Initiative plan to use 100% clean electricity by 2022.[1] The announcement includes the launch of: two… [Read More…] about Canada Launches Clean Electricity Procurement Process with Emphasis on Alberta Solar
Federal Government Announces Canada’s Hydrogen Strategy
Courtesy of Osler. View original article here. Introduction On December 16, 2020, Canada’s federal government released its much-anticipated Hydrogen Strategy for Canada (the Strategy). The Strategy sets an ambitious framework to cement hydrogen as a key part of Canada’s path to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and make Canada a global leader in hydrogen technologies. The Strategy… [Read More…] about Federal Government Announces Canada’s Hydrogen Strategy
All That Glitters: 2020 Mining Review
Courtesy of Osler. View original article here. Despite all of the uncertainties of the global pandemic (or perhaps because of them), 2020 saw a resurgence in the mining industry. While travel restrictions and due diligence limitations made it difficult to complete large cap multi-asset transactions, a steady strengthening of commodity prices (especially gold) acted as… [Read More…] about All That Glitters: 2020 Mining Review
Alberta government Introduces Bill 36: The Geothermal Resource Development Act
Courtesy of Osler. View original article here. On October 20, 2020, the Alberta government introduced Bill 36: The Geothermal Resource Development Act[1], which is aimed at creating a dedicated regulatory framework for the development of geothermal resources in Alberta. Bill 36 signals a more proactive approach to attract investment in this emerging industry by creating greater… [Read More…] about Alberta government Introduces Bill 36: The Geothermal Resource Development Act
Alberta Utilities Commission Adopts Assertive Efficiency Measures for Regulatory Hearings
Courtesy of Osler. View original article here. On October 22, 2020, the Alberta Utilities Commission (the “AUC” or the “Commission”) announced [PDF] a number of initiatives aimed at increasing regulatory process efficiency and reducing regulatory lag, particularly with respect to utility rate applications. These initiatives are consistent with the AUC’s commitments set out in its 2019-2022 strategic plan [PDF],… [Read More…] about Alberta Utilities Commission Adopts Assertive Efficiency Measures for Regulatory Hearings
Alberta Electric System Operator Announces New Energy Storage Procurement Opportunity
Courtesy of Osler. View original article here. On October 14, 2020, the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) announced plans for an upcoming Fast Frequency Response (FFR) Technology Pilot project.[1] The FFR Pilot is currently in its initial design phase and is expected to be implemented in 2021. The announcement presents a unique opportunity for energy storage… [Read More…] about Alberta Electric System Operator Announces New Energy Storage Procurement Opportunity
Ontario Introduces Sweeping Changes to Environmental Legislation
Courtesy of Osler. View original article here. On July 21, 2020, the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2020 (Bill 197) received Royal Assent. Bill 197 amends multiple statutes as part of the Ontario government’s efforts to stimulate the economy by simplifying regulatory processes across various industries. Bill 197 amends 20 statutes, including significant amendments to key environmental legislation… [Read More…] about Ontario Introduces Sweeping Changes to Environmental Legislation
Alberta Announces New Framework to Speed Up Oil & Gas Reclamation
Courtesy of Osler. View original article here. On July 30, 2020, the Alberta government announced a new Liability Management Framework (the Framework) aimed at expediting the cleanup of orphan and inactive well sites. The Framework signals a more active approach to reclamation and management of those sites, seeking to reduce their number while providing flexibility… [Read More…] about Alberta Announces New Framework to Speed Up Oil & Gas Reclamation
BC Introduces Bill 6 to Align the Province’s Mining Sector with Global Best Practices
Courtesy of Osler. View original article here. Introduction On June 22, 2020, the Government of British Columbia introduced Bill 6 – 2020: Mines Amendment Act, 2020 (Bill 6) in the Legislative Assembly. The proposed amendments will restructure the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources by establishing a new Mine Audits and Effectiveness Unit to be led by… [Read More…] about BC Introduces Bill 6 to Align the Province’s Mining Sector with Global Best Practices