<p align="left">Recent developments in Ontario and Yukon are an important reminder of the practical implications of the Crown’s legal Duty to Consult with First Nations on exploration rights granted to the mining industry under provincial laws. Resource and energy sector companies operating in Canada should learn a lesson from the Ontario and Yukon experience:  blind reliance

<p>On February 15, 2013 the N.B. Government released “Responsible Environmental Management of Oil and Natural Gas Activities in New Brunswick – Rules for Industry,” governing the activities and facilities of oil and gas companies on both privately and publicly owned lands in N.B.  Purporting to be a “one stop shopping” framework for oil and gas activities

<p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Today, the N.B. Government released “Responsible Environmental Management of Oil and Natural Gas Activities in New Brunswick – Rules for Industry.” These Rules are not in the form of legislation or a regulation; the N.B. government says it will implement them “for the most part” as conditions to approvals and certificates issued under through existing

Nova Scotia Environment (“NSE”) recently released a discussion paper addressing its suggested changes to the Environment Act, 1994-95, c. 1 (the “Act”). &nbsp; We are pleased to provide you with this outline of the most significant proposed changes, and our comments regarding how these changes may affect your business. Also note, NSE is accepting comments

Following last year’s public consultation, rules regarding “green technology” patents have changed. As of March 3, 2011, Canada’s Patent Act allows expedited examination of “green technology” applications. &nbsp; The amendments alter the prior expedited examination regime permitting expedited examination “if the applicant files with the Commissioner a declaration indicating that the application relates to technology

• Emera Inc. and Nalcor Energy sign Term Sheet for Muskrat Falls Lower Churchill Project • Renewable Electricity Regulations passed in Nova Scotia – Legislated mandate of 25 per cent of electricity to be produced by renewable energy facilities starting in 2015; – Interim cap on forest biomass supply; – Community feed-in-tariff rates to be

The Nova Scotia government has decided to support its growing clean technology industry and help spur innovation in this growing sector with its announcement on April 13th of the creation of a $24 million provincial cleantech strategic fund. This fund will provide opportunities for early stage and venture capital investments in cleantech companies in Nova

<span style="font-size: large;">Department of Environment Introduces New Operational Guidelines under the New Brunswick Wetlands Conservation Policy</span> &nbsp; New Brunswick’s new Operational Guidelines issued under the Wetlands Conservation Policy took effect as of January 1, 2011. &nbsp; Real estate developers and industrial project proponents planning development activity in or near wetlands are encouraged to review the

<p>Carole Chan was the Co-author of the following publication:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>A Review of the Project Scope and Environmental Assessment Scope for Mining and Energy Projects Across Canada,</em> presented at the 30th Annual Meeting of the International Association for Impact Assessment (Geneva: April 6-11, 2010).</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The paper is available at <a href="http://www.iaia.org/" target="_blank">www.iaia.org.</a></p>

<p>McInnes Cooper’s Energy &amp; Natural Resources Group hosted our “Atlantic Canada Party” during the Calgary Stampede. Clients, colleagues and friends joined us on July 9 to celebrate the annual festival.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>For information on the Calgary Stampede and events, click <a href="http://www.calgarystampede.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img src="http://www.mcinnescooper.com/wp-content/uploads/stampede.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="450" /></p>