Energy, Environmental & Natural Resources

Historically, natural resources, including fisheries, agriculture, forestry and mining, contributed significantly to the economy of Atlantic Canada. In recent years, power generation and oil and gas production and distribution, including the development of the offshore, have had a positive economic impact on the region. Today, we are seeing the growth of new resource-based enterprises, such as aquaculture and wind farm power generation. In order for these industries, whether established or emerging, to be sustainable, it is important for them to be cognizant of their environmental impact and the attendant regulatory regime within which they must operate. Whether you are involved in an industry dependent on natural resources, or in an industry creating energy for consumer consumption now and in the future, Stewart McKelvey lawyers will draw on years of experience counselling resource-based businesses, individuals and enterprises throughout the natural resources and energy sectors in Atlantic Canada to give you the best strategic advice. Our experience and expertise includes:

• Mining law matters, including the issuance of mineral titles and related surface rights, mineral rights, transactional matters of all types and securities law advice.
• Wind farm project development and management, including environmental assessment and the full range of governmental title issuances and permitting.
• Knowledge and respect for aboriginal title and rights claims, as well as the conclusion and implementation of impact and benefit agreements and aboriginal partnerships and co-ventures.
• Advice to the key players in offshore oil production projects, in addition to acting regularly for oil refineries and transshipment facilities across Atlantic Canada.
• Being the trusted advisor to the largest aquaculture business in the region.
• Successfully working within the region’s environmental laws, regulations and practices, and making them work for our clients.

Insights

Throughout the year, our energy, environmental and natural resources lawyers provide written insights and updates on recent case law and legislation in the region and beyond. To learn more about relevant topics from the past year, click on one of the following titles:

• The “dominant tide” comes in: cooperative federalism in the Reference re Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act
• Canadian carbon tax is here to stay: Supreme Court rules Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act constitutional
• Canada’s carbon tax – an increase and a refresher