Team Members ()

Publications ()

News ()

Pages ()

Services ()

  • Our Team

    Our Team

    • Lawyers & Clerks
    • Leadership Team
    • Board of Directors
    • Human Resources
    • Marketing & Business Development
    • Paraprofessional Services
  • Our Services

    Our Services

    • Service Areas
      • Aboriginal and Indigenous Law
      • Administrative Law
      • Agribusiness
      • Banking and Financial Services
      • Bankruptcy and Insolvency
      • Business Disputes
      • Business Immigration
      • Class Actions
      • Construction Law
      • Corporate and Business
      • Corporate Finance and Securities
      • Corporate Governance and Compliance
      • Cross-Border Law
      • Education Law
      • Environmental Law
      • Estates and Trusts
      • Foreign Direct Investment
      • Franchise Law
      • Health Law
      • Insurance
      • Intellectual Property
      • Labour and Employment
      • Litigation
      • Maritime Law
      • Media & Entertainment
      • Municipal Law
      • P3 and Infrastructure
      • Pensions and Benefits
      • Privacy, Data Protection and Cyber Security
      • Public Law
      • Real Estate
      • Regulation of Professions
      • SISIP LTD Allowances Class Action
      • Tax
      • Technology
      • View All
    • Industries
      • Cannabis
      • Construction & Property Development
      • Energy & Natural Resources
      • Financial Services
      • Government & Institutions
      • Insurance
      • Manufacturing, Processing & Sales
      • Mining
      • Ocean Economy
      • Private Clients
      • Startups & High Growth Companies
      • Technology
      • View All
    • More Services
      • MC Advisory
      • MC Legal Lab
  • Our Insights
  • Our Firm

    Our Firm

    • Our Values
    • Our History
    • Our Global Reach
    • Our News
    • Diversity & Inclusion
    • Collective Social Responsibility
    • Environmental Stewardship
    • Pro Bono Program
  • Our Careers

    Our Careers

    • Lawyer Opportunities
    • Business Professional Opportunities
    • Paralegal & Legal Assistant Opportunities
    • Summer Student & Articling Opportunities
    • Diversity & Inclusion
    • Collective Social Responsibility
  • 1.866.439.6246
  • Contact
  • Search
  • Stay Updated
  • Contact Us
  • LexMundi World Ready
  • Privacy Policy
  • http://linkedin.com
  • http://facebook.com
  • http://twitter.com
  • 1.866.439.6246
Home > Our Insights > Time to Shine: Nova Scotia to Launch Solar Energy Pilot Program in 2017
Publications

Time to Shine: Nova Scotia to Launch Solar Energy Pilot Program in 2017

Published:

December 15, 2016

Author(s):

  • Sara Mahaney, Former Lawyer at McInnes Cooper

Share

Print

On December 13, 2016, the Province of Nova Scotia released for comment draft regulations that will establish the Solar for Community Buildings Pilot Program, expected to launch in early 2017 and run for three years. The Province’s 2015 Electricity Plan identified competitively-priced community solar as the means by which it will further explore incorporating solar-generated renewable electricity, which has been fairly limited to date, in Nova Scotia’s electricity system. The proposed Solar Program is restricted and competitive. Now is the time for proponents that want to pursue this new opportunity for solar generation in Nova Scotia to get engaged; the public has until January 11, 2017 to comment on the draft regulations.

Here are five key characteristics of the Solar Program as proposed in the draft regulations:

Bid Administration. A third-party Procurement Administrator will oversee a request for proposals for renewable low-impact electricity from solar. Proposals will primarily be evaluated based on the price for the proposed electricity.

Eligible Bidders. Only certain entities will be eligible to participate in the bidding process:

  • A N.S. Mi’kmaw band council (or a body corporate, partnership or other business association that is wholly owned by one or more band councils).
  • A municipality (or a body corporate, partnership or other business association that is wholly owned by one or more municipalities).
  • A university, including the N.S. Community College (or a body corporate, partnership or other business association that is wholly owned by a single university).
  • A not-for-profit body corporate (or a body corporate, partnership or other business association that is wholly owned by a single not-for-profit body corporate).

Maximum Capacity. The Solar Program will be open to proposed generation facilities with a maximum total nameplate capacity of 50kW.

Agreement Term. Successful proponents will receive a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement with the relevant public utility (Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI) or one of the Municipal Electric Utilities (MEUs)) at the price proposed in the bid.

Caps. To ensure rate stability, there are caps on the amounts NSPI and the MEUs can pay for electricity under the Solar Program. There are also caps on the amounts NSPI can pay to owners within the same participant category, and to owners for generation facilities in certain geographic locations in the Province.


Please contact your McInnes Cooper lawyer or any member of the Renewable Energy Law Team @ McInnes Cooper to discuss this topic or any other legal issue.


McInnes Cooper has prepared this document for information only; it is not intended to be legal advice.  You should consult McInnes Cooper about your unique circumstances before acting on this information. McInnes Cooper excludes all liability for anything contained in this document and any use you make of it.

© McInnes Cooper, 2016.  All rights reserved.  McInnes Cooper owns the copyright in this document. You may reproduce and distribute this document in its entirety as long as you do not alter the form or the content and you give McInnes Cooper credit for it. You must obtain McInnes Cooper’s consent for any other form of reproduction or distribution. Email us at [email protected] to request our consent.

Share

Print
View Related Content

Related Services

  • Electricity
  • Environmental Law
  • Renewable Energy
  • Aboriginal and Indigenous Law
  • Start-up

Related Industries

  • Energy & Natural Resources
  • Technology
  • Electricity
  • Renewable Energy
  • Startups & High Growth Companies

Related Publications

View All Publications
  • Court Rules in Favour of Non-Indigenous Interests in Lucrative Elver Fishery

    Jun 24, 2022

    The New Brunswick Court of Queen’s Bench has issued a court order to stop Indigenous fishers (all apparently members of the Wolastoqey Nation)…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Aquaculture Regulatory Decisions: The Critical Role of Industry Engagement

    Jun 6, 2022

    The Federal Court’s April 22, 2022 decision in Mowi Canada West Inc. v. Canada (Fisheries, Oceans and Coast Guard) has implications for the…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Should You Incorporate Your Cryptocurrency Activity? 6 Crypto Taxation FAQs

    May 20, 2022

    On May 22, 2010 (affectionately known as “Bitcoin Pizza Day”), a Floridian bought two Papa John's pizzas with Bitcoin. The day is famous…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Going Public: 3 IPO Alternatives

    Apr 20, 2022

    If you’ve reached the stage in your financing lifecycle where you’re ready to take your company public, you might think you’ve only got…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Advance Costs: Indigenous Perspective Pivotal in “Pressing Needs” Analysis

    Mar 31, 2022

    On March 18, 2022, the Supreme Court of Canada confirmed that an Indigenous government can still satisfy the impecuniosity requirement for an…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Appeal Court Confirms Key Role of Courts & Injunctions to Resolve Disputes

    Feb 3, 2022

    On January 26, 2022, the British Columbia Court of Appeal extended an injunction preventing protesters from interfering with a logging…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Smart Contracts & Automated Contracts: 5 FAQs

    Jan 25, 2022

    More and more people are using smart contracts: the global smart contracts market was valued at USD $145M in 2020; it’s projected to be valued…

    Read More
    Publications
  • 6 (Liability) Reasons to Mitigate Your Privacy & Data Breach Risks

    Dec 16, 2021

    The name of the game is to have a plan to mitigate the risk that a data breach will happen - but be ready when it does. According to the…

    Read More
    Publications
  • NS Environmental Goals & Climate Change Reduction Act: In Pursuit of Sustainable Prosperity

    Nov 10, 2021

    On November 5, 2021, the Province of Nova Scotia passed the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act. The Act will serve as the…

    Read More
    Publications
  • NB Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction Regulation: 5 Key Obligations

    Oct 29, 2021

    The New Brunswick Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Regulation, effected under the N.B. Climate Change Act, establishes specific…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Webinar | Growing Out Atlantic Canada’s Aquaculture Industry

    Oct 19, 2021

    Canada’s aquaculture industry is poised for growth but that growth is being challenged by regulatory uncertainty and a lack of confidence…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Hiring a Foreign Company to Provide Services in Canada? 3 Immigration Issues

    Jul 27, 2021

    Canadian entities regularly contract with foreign companies to provide services in Canada. To complete its obligations under the contract, the…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Limited Options: New Employee Stock Option Tax Rules Effective July 1, 2021

    Jun 24, 2021

    Many employers use equity compensation plans like employee stock option plans to attract, motivate, and retain talent. One reason stock options…

    Read More
    Publications
  • The Duty to Consult Indigenous Groups: 5 FAQs

    Jun 21, 2021

    There is a duty to consult Indigenous groups when the Crown contemplates actions that may adversely affect their rights under section 35 of the…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Dutch Court Orders Corporation to Reduce Emissions in Landmark Decision

    Jun 1, 2021

    This publication has been updated as at July 22, 2021. On May 26, 2021, the Hague District Court in the Netherlands ordered Royal Dutch Shell…

    Read More
    Publications
  • R. v. Desautel: Canadian Constitution Protects Non-Citizen Aboriginal People

    May 10, 2021

    The Supreme Court of Canada continues to expand the scope of Aboriginal rights. On April 23, 2021, in R. v. Desautel, for the first time the…

    Read More
    Publications
  • The N.S. Shared Solar Energy Program: 3 Key Facts

    Apr 13, 2021

    On April 7, 2021, the Nova Scotia government introduced Bill 97, amendments to the N.S. Electricity Act aimed at growing the solar industry in…

    Read More
    Publications
  • 5 Term Sheet FAQs for Startups & Growing Companies

    Mar 18, 2021

    Your startup idea has blossomed into a viable business: you’ve incorporated a company, it’s been growing steadily, and you’re at the stage…

    Read More
    Publications
  • 5 Key Privacy FAQs for Startups & Growing Businesses

    Jan 26, 2021

    This publication has been updated as of March 4, 2022. Privacy is critical to every business in every sector, including startups and growing…

    Read More
    Publications
  • The Indigenous Right to a Moderate Livelihood: A Need for Clarity

    Jan 20, 2021

    This publication has been updated as at August 4, 2021. 2020 was a year filled with challenges, including in the relationship between…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Getting the Deal Done: 3 Key Terms to Conserve Cash in M&A Deals

    Nov 24, 2020

    An economic downturn can result in an M&A uptick: there can be more attractive targets on the market, and sellers can be more motivated to…

    Read More
    Publications
  • What’s the Deal? Creating, Interpreting & Enforcing Electronic Contracts

    Nov 17, 2020

    Spurred by the COVID-19 Pandemic and bricks-and-mortar closures, businesses - from SMEs to multinationals, startups to mature businesses,…

    Read More
    Publications
  • 10 Incorporation FAQs for Startups & Growing Businesses

    Oct 7, 2020

    Properly incorporating and structuring is key to position a startup to attract investors and strategic partners and, if desirable, achieve a…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Playing it Safe: Employer Obligations To Employees Working From Home

    Aug 12, 2020

    This publication has been updated as of May 5, 2021. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has led many employees to continue working from home, by…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Uber Technologies Inc. v. Heller: One-Sided Standard Form Clauses May Be Unenforceable

    Jul 6, 2020

    On June 26, 2020, the Supreme Court of Canada released Uber Technologies Inc. v. Heller, a much-awaited decision regarding the enforceability of…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Top 5 Legal Considerations When Launching a FINTECH Startup

    Jun 12, 2020

    The financial technology (Fintech) industry uses technology to support and enhance financial and banking services.

    Read More
    Publications
  • Coping with COVID-19: The Impact on Contractual Performance in the Energy and Natural Resources Sector

    Apr 20, 2020

    As countries around the world grapple with the spread of COVID-19, global restrictions and containment measures have presented a range of…

    Read More
    Publications
  • 3 Ways to Commercialize Your Intellectual Property (IP) Rights

    Feb 12, 2020

    Intellectual property (IP) can be a business’s most valuable (even only) asset. Once you’ve taken steps to understand what the five main IP…

    Read More
    Publications
  • N.S. Battens Down Marine Renewable Energy Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

    Feb 4, 2020

    Tidal developers considering responding to the FORCE Berth D procurement now have a clearer view of just what the successful proponent will get.…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Still an Option: Feds Delay New Tax Rules for Employee Stock Options

    Jan 30, 2020

    NOTE: The new tax rules for employee stock option plans take effect on July 1, 2021. Learn more at Limited Options: New Employee Stock Option…

    Read More
    Publications
  • 5 Key Requirements of Canada’s Federal Environmental Emergency Regulations

    Nov 22, 2019

    The Environmental Emergency Regulations, effected under section 200(1) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) and in force since…

    Read More
    Publications
  • 5 Basics Every Startup & Growing Business Should Know About Employment Law

    Apr 8, 2019

    Growing a business takes people. In early days, many startups have just one “employee”: the founder. At some point, the founder might retain…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Incorporating a Business? Incorporating in N.S. Will Soon Be More Attractive

    Sep 10, 2018

    As of January 2019, incorporating a limited company in N.S. will be more economical. On September 7, 2018, the N.S. government announced it’s…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Digital Privacy Act Mandatory Data Breach Response Obligations: 5 Key Focus Areas For Your Compliance Plan

    Aug 20, 2018

    Every organization subject to Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) -  every organization that…

    Read More
    Publications
  • The Digital Privacy Act: 5 FAQs About the Mandatory Data Breach Response Obligations Effective November 1, 2018

    Aug 3, 2018

    As of November 1, 2018, organizations in Canada subject to the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) will face…

    Read More
    Publications
  • 10 Key Terms to Make Clear in Every Software Licensing Agreement

    Jul 18, 2018

    Most businesses – from startups to SMEs to multi-nationals, and from private family-owned businesses to public corporations – will use…

    Read More
    Publications
  • 3 Ways the New P.E.I. Business Corporations Act Will Modernize Prince Edward Island Corporations

    Jul 18, 2018

    P.E.I. corporations are currently governed by the P.E.I. Companies Act – legislation that’s substantially unchanged since it was enacted in…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Dan Watt in Energy Regulation Quarterly | The Impact Assessment Act, Canadian Energy Regulator Act and Offshore Energy: A View from Atlantic Canada

    Jul 10, 2018

    If enacted, Bill C-69, An Act to enact the Impact Assessment Act and the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, to amend the Navigation…

    Read More
    Publications
  • The Evolving Duty to Consult Indigenous Peoples: N.S. Court Recognizes a “Duty of Enforcement Consultation” in R. v. Martin

    Jun 29, 2018

    The Crown’s duty to consult Indigenous Peoples has evolved considerably since the Supreme Court of Canada’s first detailed articulation of…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Defining the Boundaries: Protecting Privacy & Privilege of Digital Content @ the Canadian Border

    Jun 13, 2018

    Businesspeople (and their legal counsel) are on the road more than ever before: according to Statistics Canada, while Canada-U.S. traffic is…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Jurisdiction Over Internet Defamation: Same Law, Different Facts in Haaretz v. Goldhar

    Jun 11, 2018

    On June 6, 2018, the Supreme Court of Canada considered the test for jurisdiction over an allegedly defamatory Internet article – the…

    Read More
    Publications
  • More Valuable Than Money? The 5 Most Common Equity Compensation Plans

    Apr 2, 2018

    Equity compensation plans are a valuable and versatile tool for many corporations, from early-stage startups to established blue-chips.…

    Read More
    Publications
  • The Feds Finally Take the Plunge: Bill C-69 & The New Federal Offshore Renewable Energy Regime

    Feb 20, 2018

    The Canadian federal government has finally revealed how it proposes to regulate offshore renewable energy developments in federal waters. On…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Bill C-69 & the New Federal Impact Assessment Act: The Impact on the Role of the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board (CNSOPB) and the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (CNLOPB)

    Feb 20, 2018

    On February 8, 2018, the Canadian federal government proposed a new Impact Assessment Act in Bill C-69, An Act to enact the Impact Assessment…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Navigating the N.S. Marine Renewable Energy Regime: What Project Developers Need to Know

    Feb 13, 2018

    The much-anticipated Nova Scotia marine renewable energy regime finally has the force of law.  First introduced over two years ago, the Nova…

    Read More
    Publications
  • A Whale of a Change: 5 of the Key Changes DFO Proposes to Canada’s Fisheries Act

    Feb 9, 2018

    NOTE: On June 21, 2019, Bill C-68, An Act to Amend the Fisheries Act and other Acts in consequence, took effect.  On February 6, 2018, Bill…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Williams Lake Indian Band v. Canada: Crown Breached Fiduciary Duty to Indigenous Community – in 1858

    Feb 8, 2018

    Over the past 15 years, most of the Supreme Court of Canada’s decisions respecting Indigenous Peoples in Canada have revolved around the…

    Read More
    Publications
  • The Legal Reality: Canadian Appeal Court decides “Virtual Presence” is enough for production order for user information against non-Canadian company in British Columbia (Attorney General) v. Brecknell

    Jan 12, 2018

    Whether a provincial court will grant police a “production order” under the Criminal Code of Canada requiring a non-Canadian company to…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Is cryptocurrency the right tool for your company to raise capital? 5 FAQs about Initial Coin Offerings (ICO)

    Dec 22, 2017

    Blockchain technology has already been a transformative force in a number of sectors. Its most prominent use to date has been as the…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Balance Between Public & Operator Interests in Offshore Petroleum Resources Data is Set

    Nov 30, 2017

    On November 30, 2017, the Supreme Court of Canada denied Geophysical Service Incorporated’s (GSI) application for leave to appeal the decision…

    Read More
    Publications
  • It’s Official: “Facilitation Payments” to Foreign Public Officials Violates Canada’s Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act (CFPOA)

    Nov 17, 2017

    It’s official: as of October 31, 2017, “facilitation payments” contravene Canada’s Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act (CFPOA).…

    Read More
    Publications
  • 10 Legal Considerations When Incorporating Your Startup

    Nov 16, 2017

    Corporations are the leading business vehicle in modern commerce. For startups, properly structuring and incorporating is critical to avoid…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Newfoundland & Labrador Offshore Oil Royalty Regulations November 1, 2017: Key Changes to the Offshore Regime

    Nov 9, 2017

    On November 3, 2017, the Newfoundland and Labrador Government published new Offshore Oil Royalty Regulations replacing the Royalty Regulations,…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Supreme Court of Canada Tackles Freedom of Religion & the Duty to Consult in Ktunaxa Nation v. British Columbia (Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations)

    Nov 7, 2017

    On November 2, 2017, the Supreme Court of Canada was faced with the Ktunaxa Nation’s claim that a Ministerial decision to approve a project…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Protect Your Assets: 3 Best Practices for Intellectual Property (IP) Owners

    Oct 31, 2017

    Intellectual Property (IP) can be a valuable asset – even the most valuable asset – of a business. So it’s worth making sure the business…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Canada Has Other Fish to Fry Between NAFTA Negotiation Rounds: CETA Provisionally Effective September 21, 2017

    Oct 11, 2017

    The fourth round of NAFTA negotiations is set to start on October 11, 2017. But in the meantime, the Canada-European Union Comprehensive…

    Read More
    Publications
  • New N.S. Demonstration Permit for Marine Renewable Energy in the Wind (and the Waves) With Proposed Marine Renewable Energy Act Amendments

    Oct 6, 2017

    On October 5, 2017, the N.S. government took another step toward creating a globally competitive marine renewable energy industry and associated…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Charting a Course for Good Governance of Canada’s Emerging Ocean Economy | Offshore Aquaculture and Ocean-based Renewable Energy

    Sep 29, 2017

    Atlantic Canada is at a turning point. The region’s history and economic development have historically been inextricably linked to the ocean.…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Cross-Border Caution: 5 Anti-Corruption Law Compliance Program Tips

    Aug 16, 2017

    In the not-so-distant past, Canadian enforcement of its anti-corruption and anti-bribery legal regime has been relatively laid-back. But the…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Clyde River (Hamlet) v. Petroleum Geo Services Inc. and Chippewas of the Thames First Nation v. Enbridge Pipelines Inc.: Crown Can Rely on National Energy Board to Fulfill its Duty to Consult

    Jul 28, 2017

    All stakeholders in any major project development already know that adequate consultation before - rather than after - a project is approved is…

    Read More
    Publications
  • The Federal Court of Canada Puts the “Fair” in the Copyright Act’s “Fair Dealing” Exceptions in Canadian Copyright Licensing Agency v. York University

    Jul 18, 2017

    On July 12, 2017, the Federal Court of Canada made it clear that there are but two ways to avoid a tariff set by the Copyright Board of Canada…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Steering clear of personal liability for oppression: Supreme Court of Canada offers guidance to corporate leaders in Wilson v. Alharayeri

    Jul 17, 2017

    A corporation does not always sail in calm or safe waters. Cash shortages, unattainable or unmet goals, Board disagreements over the best course…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Growing Your Business: 3 Structuring Solutions

    Jul 13, 2017

    When growing your business, you face many decisions, including choosing the business structure that is right for you. Your legal team can be…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Making Waves: What CETA means for Atlantic Canadian Fisheries

    Jul 11, 2017

    The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) is making waves in Canada, and for good reason: it casts the net of…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Go Global @ Home: Supreme Court of Canada Confirms Global Order to Remove Internet Content in Google Inc. v. Equustek Solutions Inc.

    Jun 28, 2017

    On June 28, 2017, the Supreme Court of Canada confirmed a Canadian court can issue an interlocutory injunction (an order requiring an entity or…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Like it or Not: Supreme Court of Canada decides class action against Facebook can go ahead in B.C. – despite its terms of use in Douez v. Facebook, Inc.

    Jun 23, 2017

    On June 23, 2017, the Supreme Court of Canada decided that in a contest between the choice of forum clause in Facebook’s online terms of use…

    Read More
    Publications
  • An Early Canada (Anti Spam Legislation) Day Gift! CASL Private Right of Action Repealed

    Jun 7, 2017

    On June 7, 2017, the federal government repealed the regulations that would have brought into effect the sections of Canada’s Anti Spam…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Canada v. Mikisew Cree First Nation: Court to Decide Whether Duty to Consult Also Applies Before Legislation is Enacted

    May 26, 2017

    On May 19, 2017, the Supreme Court of Canada agreed to hear the appeal of the Federal Court of Appeal’s 2016 decision in Canada v Mikisew Cree…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Northern Exposure: Anti-Corruption Law Exposes Payments to Governments Under Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act (ESTMA)

    May 11, 2017

    The Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act is one of several anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws aimed at fighting corruption in the…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Appeal Court maintains balance between public & operator interests in offshore petroleum resources data in Geophysical Service Incorporated (GSI) v. Encana Corporation

    May 1, 2017

    NOTE: On November 30, 2017, the Supreme Court of Canada denied Geophysical Service Incorporated’s (GSI) application for leave to appeal the…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Cannabis Legalization in Canada: Seeds have sprouted, but the branches are still bare

    Apr 20, 2017

    On April 13, 2017, Canada’s federal government introduced legislation that, if passed into law, will legalize recreational cannabis in Canada.…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Nip it in the Bud: A 5 Step Plan for Employers to Prepare for Cannabis Legalization in Canada

    Apr 17, 2017

    Recreational cannabis isn’t legal yet - but much of the associated stigma is already gone, usage is up and employers are feeling the workplace…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Daniel Watt and Sara Mahaney in Gard Update: Legal privilege in the corporate context in Canada

    Apr 6, 2017

    Adding a third jurisdiction to Gard Update’s comparison between privilege in the corporate context under U.S. and English law, McInnes Cooper…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Register Before You Lobby in N.B. under Lobbyists’ Registration Act

    Apr 5, 2017

    NOTE: Consultants who were already lobbying and in-house lobbyists already employed by an organization when the new Act took effect were…

    Read More
    Publications
  • McInnes Cooper in the Maritimes Energy Association’s Member News | Go Deep: How International Legal Reform Can Prevent Legal Uncertainty from Hindering Offshore Wind & Aquaculture Growth

    Apr 4, 2017

    Legal uncertainty is a barrier to investment, and thus an adversary to growth. Unfortunately, when it comes to new and innovative technologies…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Go Deep: How International Legal Reform Can Prevent Legal Uncertainty from Hindering Offshore Wind & Aquaculture Growth

    Mar 31, 2017

    Legal uncertainty is never a good thing for industry: it’s a barrier to investment, and thus an adversary to growth. Unfortunately, the law is…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Follow These 5 Steps for Compliant Disclosure on Social Media

    Mar 30, 2017

    Social media platforms, like Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook and GooglePlus, arguably have more followers and are more closely…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Information Technology (IT) Contracts: 3 Key Lessons for Customers and Service Providers in Atos v Sapient

    Mar 30, 2017

    There are very few examples of a Canadian court interpreting and opining on the provisions of an information technology contract. So the Ontario…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Cyber Security: A 5-Step Data Breach Risk Mitigation Plan for Corporate Boards & Directors

    Feb 24, 2017

    This publication has been updated as of December 16, 2021. Many organization (66%) store the personal information of customers. employees,…

    Read More
    Publications
  • The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP): 5 Key Opportunities & Risks for Employers

    Feb 22, 2017

    On January 1, 2022, the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program became the permanent Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). Learn more at From Pilot to…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Confidentiality Risks of Doing Business With the Public Sector Just Got Riskier: Completed NS Access to Information Requests Go Online

    Jan 25, 2017

    Doing business with the public sector creates an often overlooked – but very real – risk that the confidential information a business…

    Read More
    Publications
  • The Atlantic Link: 5 Key Questions About the Electrifying Opportunity to Connect to a New Renewable Energy Market

    Jan 13, 2017

    On January 11, 2017, Emera Inc. offered an electrifying opportunity for renewable energy developers to potentially access the New England…

    Read More
    Publications
  • The Top Three Atlantic Canada Offshore Legal Developments of 2016

    Dec 20, 2016

    As 2016 draws to a close, Oil & Gas Team @ McInnes Cooper offers its picks for the top three legal developments of 2016 that impacted the…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Keeping It Flowing: 10 Steps to Anticipate Citizens’ Challenges to New Developments

    Dec 7, 2016

    Recently, the Nova Scotia Supreme Court denied a motion for a temporary stay of proceedings to prevent the deployment of certain tidal devices…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Supreme Court of Canada Warns Judgment Creditors: Implied Consent is Enough to Disclose Discharge Statement in Royal Bank of Canada v. Trang

    Nov 22, 2016

    On November 17, 2016 the Supreme Court of Canada decided a mortgagee has the mortgagor’s implied consent to disclose its discharge statement…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Public & operator interests in offshore petroleum resources data: Where will the balance be struck? in Geophysical Service Incorporated (GSI) v. Encana Corporation

    Nov 9, 2016

    The balance between the public’s interest in accessing offshore petroleum resources data and operators’ commercial interests is at the heart…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Founders Shareholders’ Agreement: Key Considerations, Terms & Complementary Agreements

    Oct 21, 2016

    All shareholders – whether in a startup, a small or large business or a family-owned business – can benefit from a shareholders’…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Protect Your Assets: An Intellectual Property (IP) Primer

    Oct 19, 2016

    This publication has been updated as at February 28, 2022. For many businesses, large and small, their “Intellectual Property” (IP) is…

    Read More
    Publications
  • 3 Key Employment Law Steps to Take Now to Help You Sell Later

    Oct 19, 2016

    Business owners wear many hats – including employer. Your employees may be your business’s greatest asset, but they could also be your…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Supreme Court of Canada Decides Indian Bands Assessing Leased Reserve Lands for Property Tax Purposes Can’t Have it Both Ways in Musqueam Indian Band v. Musqueam Indian Band (Board of Review)

    Sep 12, 2016

    On September 9, 2016, the Supreme Court of Canada decided in Musqueam Indian Band v. Musqueam Indian Band (Board of Review) that an Indian band…

    Read More
    Publications
  • 5 Key Considerations When Deciding Between Federal & Provincial Incorporation

    Aug 9, 2016

    A key legal decision in starting or growing your business is choosing the business structure that’s right for you. If you incorporate,…

    Read More
    Publications
  • DFO Decides “Last In, First Out” Policy (LIFO) is Out

    Jul 7, 2016

    On July 6, 2016, the Federal Department of Fisheries and Ocean’s (DFO) accepted the Ministerial Advisory Panel (MAP) recommendation in the…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Weigh Now or Weight Later: New Cargo Container Verified Gross Mass (VGM) Rules Effective July 1, 2016

    Jun 20, 2016

    As of July 1, 2016, packed cargo containers to which the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), Chapter VI, Regulation…

    Read More
    Publications
  • The Parameters of Municipal Power: Supreme Court of Canada Decides Municipality Can’t Block Radiocommunication Tower Construction in Rogers Communications Inc. v. Châteauguay (City)

    Jun 17, 2016

    On June 16, 2016, the Supreme Court of Canada decided a municipality’s “notice of reserve”, a mechanism to prevent construction, on land…

    Read More
    Publications
  • FAQs About AMPs (Administrative Monetary Penalties) in the Canadian Offshore

    Jun 10, 2016

    Administrative monetary penalties, or “AMPs”, are a new phenomenon in the Canadian offshore. AMPs were introduced to the Newfoundland &…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Assertion of Aboriginal Right Does Not Automatically Confer Eligibility to Appeal a Regulatory Approval in O’Chiese First Nation v. Alberta Energy Regulator

    Jun 6, 2016

    On June 2, 2016, the Supreme Court of Canada denied an Alberta First Nation’s request to appeal the Court of Appeal’s dismissal of its bid…

    Read More
    Publications
  • The East Coast Duty to Consult Indigenous Peoples

    Jun 6, 2016

    Each Provincial government is under the legal duty to consult; the manner in which each carries out its legal duty to consult differs depending…

    Read More
    Publications
  • From Startup to Exit: 5 Key Stages of the Financing Lifecycle

    May 10, 2016

    This publication has been updated as at April 18, 2022. Access to sufficient capital is always a business issue, from the startup stage right…

    Read More
    Publications
  • The Legal Defence of Due Diligence: Top 5 FAQs

    May 2, 2016

    “Due diligence” is a legal defence to many charges under occupational health and safety (OHS) laws. Here are five of the most…

    Read More
    Publications
  • The New Nova Scotia Mineral Resources Act: The Good, The Risky & The Neutral

    Apr 21, 2016

    On April 15, 2016, Bill No. 149, The Mineral Resources Act (2016) (2016 Act), passed its second reading in the NS House of Assembly. Although…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Supreme Court of Canada Decides Federal Government Has Legislative Authority Over Métis & Non-Status Indians

    Apr 19, 2016

    On April 14, 2016, the Supreme Court of Canada decided that Métis and “non-status Indians” are “Indians” under section 91(24) of the…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Doing Business With the Public Sector: Key Confidentiality Risks & 3 Risk Management Strategies

    Mar 24, 2016

    When a business responds to a public sector Request for Proposal or Expression of Interest (both of which we’ll refer to as an RFP for these…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Construction Project Manager Sentenced to 3½ Years for Workplace Accident in R. v. Vadim Kazenelson (aka “Metron”)

    Mar 9, 2016

    In what appears to be the first case of the conviction of a front line supervisor under section 217.1 of the Criminal Code and sentencing to a…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Energy Safety and Security Act (ESSA) Effective February 26, 2016: 7 Key Changes Toughen Up Atlantic Offshore and North Oil & Gas Regulatory Regime

    Feb 15, 2016

    On February 26, 2016, the bulk of the offshore-related amendments of the Energy Safety and Security Act (ESSA, formerly known as Bill C-22) take…

    Read More
    Publications
  • NB Kicks-off First Request for Expressions of Interest from Aboriginal Businesses Under New Electricity from Renewable Resources Regulation

    Feb 1, 2016

    On January 29, 2016, the New Brunswick Power Corporation (NB Power) kicked-off compliance with its obligations under the new Electricity from…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Doe 464533 v. D.: Business Implications of the Civil Privacy Claim for “Public Disclosure of Private Facts”

    Jan 27, 2016

    On January 21, 2016, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice dramatically expanded the scope of legal privacy protection – and the liability…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Ontario Court Provides Guidelines to Balance Privacy Rights & “Tower Dumps” in R v. Rogers Communications

    Jan 18, 2016

    On January 14, 2016, the Ontario Superior Court decided that Canadians have a clear privacy interest in their records of their cellular…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Offshore Oil and Gas Decommissioning Best Practices

    Dec 21, 2015

    A practical and current guide created to help you navigate the increasingly important issues surrounding offshore decommissioning and…

    Read More
    Publications
  • New Kid on the Block: Crowdfunding Joins Traditional Equity-Based Funding Options for Startups & SMEs

    Oct 19, 2015

    Access to sufficient capital to fund operations, research and development, and other costs is a key challenge for start-ups and for some small…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL): The Top 3 Lessons Businesses Can Learn from Year 1

    Sep 29, 2015

    The anti-spam sections of Canada’s Anti-spam Legislation (CASL) took effect on July 1, 2014 amidst hype, controversy and dire warnings. Were…

    Read More
    Publications
  • The Changing Face of Aboriginal Law: 1 Short Year, 2 Big Court Decisions, 3 Key Implications for the Energy & Natural Resources Sector

    Jul 17, 2015

    On the heels of National Aboriginal Day, we pause to take a look back at two significant Aboriginal law cases decided in the last year, how…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Unproven Aboriginal Rights Enough For Lawsuit Against Private Industry in Saik’uz First Nation and Stellat’en First Nation v. Rio Tinto Alcan Inc.

    Jul 10, 2015

    On April 15, 2015, British Columbia’s Court of Appeal confirmed that First Nations can make certain legal claims grounded in Aboriginal rights…

    Read More
    Publications
  • 3 Reasons for Directors, Officers and Supervisors To Take Occupational Health and Safety Personally

    Jun 25, 2015

    Most people know that a company itself has OHS obligations, and that it risks corporate liability if it violates those obligations. However, not…

    Read More
    Publications
  • The New NS Missing Persons Act: 5 Privacy Implications for Businesses, Organizations & Public Bodies

    Jun 2, 2015

    Effective April 22, 2015 the NS Government enacted the NS Missing Persons Act, lowering the threshold for police to get an order to access…

    Read More
    Publications
  • The Export/Import Journey: 3 Key Ways Choosing a Free Trade Agreement Country Can Simplify the Trip

    Apr 2, 2015

    The market for the sale and the supply of goods is a global one for many businesses in today’s economy. Both exporting goods from Canada and…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Wait a Minute Mr. Postman … 3 Lessons Health Canada’s Privacy Breach Delivers to the Private Sector

    Mar 25, 2015

    On March 3, 2015 Canada’s Privacy Commissioner determined that Health Canada breached privacy laws by mailing letters to over 40,000 Marihuana…

    Read More
    Publications
  • No Messing Around – $1.1M First Penalty for Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) Violations by Compu-Finder

    Mar 6, 2015

    On March 5, 2015, the Canadian Radio and Television Commission (the CRTC, the main agency charged with administering and enforcing most of CASL)…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Changes to Canada’s Trademarks Law: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

    Jan 26, 2015

    NOTE: Substantial changes to Canada’s Trade-Marks Act took effect on June 17, 2019 Soon, there’ll be big changes to Canada’s Trademarks…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Privacy in Basic Cell Phones: SCC Continues Trend of Privacy Protection in R. v. Fearon

    Dec 11, 2014

    On December 11, 2014 the Supreme Court of Canada continued its trend to recognize privacy rights – and develop the law to protect them –…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) Software Installation Sections: 10 FAQs

    Dec 11, 2014

    On January 15, 2015, the software provisions of Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) will take effect.  CASL’s anti-spam sections, touted…

    Read More
    Publications
  • 5 “Legal” Reasons Why Natural Resource Companies Should Care About Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

    Dec 10, 2014

    “Corporate Social Responsibility” (CSR) as a concept has been floating around in business-speak for years – but stakeholders in the mining…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Complying with Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL): A blueprint for the construction industry

    Dec 1, 2014

    The construction industry - project owners, contractors, subcontractors and trades - might be relaxing, ignoring the hype around Canada’s…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Complying With Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL): Protecting Directors & Officers from Personal Liability

    Oct 14, 2014

    CASL’s anti-spam sections came into force on July 1, 2014. Every organization that CASL affects should now be complying with it – and their…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Complying With Canada’s Anti-Spam Law (CASL) – Foreign Organizations Doing Business in Canada Need to Pay Attention

    Aug 1, 2014

    Most Canadians have heard about Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL): we’ve been bombarded with “CASL Compliant” emails asking us to…

    Read More
    Publications
  • SCC Sets Test for – and Defines Rights of – Aboriginal Title in Canada in Tsilhqot’in Nation v. B.C.

    Jun 26, 2014

    On June 26, 2014, in a groundbreaking decision on Aboriginal title, the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) significantly elaborated on the legal test…

    Read More
    Publications
  • SCC Protects Internet Users’ Expectation of Privacy In Online Activities in R. v. Spencer

    Jun 16, 2014

    On June 13, 2014 the Supreme Court of Canada decided that Canadians have a reasonable expectation of privacy in their online activities, and…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Counting Down to Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) – The Last Minute Guide to Preparing For CASL

    Jun 12, 2014

    The countdown to CASL is almost over: there are only 13 business days until the anti-spam provisions of CASL – and most of the penalties for…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Joining the Crowd – NS & NB Consider Crowdfunding

    Jun 11, 2014

    Note: For an update on Crowdfunding, read: New Kid on the Block – Crowdfunding Joins Traditional Equity-Based Funding Options for Start-ups…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Counting Down to Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) –10 Steps to Prepare for CASL

    May 8, 2014

    On July 1, 2014 – less than two months from now - the anti-spam sections of Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) take effect. Individuals…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Counting Down to Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) – Does CASL Make You A “Spammer”?

    Apr 15, 2014

    The countdown to CASL is on: on July 1, 2014, the anti-spam sections of Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (“CASL”) take effect. Individuals…

    Read More
    Publications
  • NS Workers’ Compensation Board Issues New Policy for Psychological Injury Claims

    Apr 7, 2014

    On March 31, 2014 the NS Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) issued a new policy applicable to its adjudication of psychological injury claims…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Counting Down to Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL): 10 Reasons Why You Should Care About The Upcoming CASL Right Now

    Feb 28, 2014

    On July 1, 2014, the anti-spam sections of Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (aka “CASL”) will take effect. CASL is: Broad. It applies…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Counting Down to Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) – What You Need to Know Now

    Feb 28, 2014

    On July 1, 2014, the anti-spam sections of Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (aka “CASL”) take effect. CASL will apply to just about every…

    Read More
    Publications
  • Legal Update: The Duty to Consult – Important Lessons from Canada’s Mining Sector

    Mar 15, 2013

    Recent developments in Ontario and Yukon are an important reminder of the practical implications of the Crown’s legal Duty to Consult with…

    Read More
    Publications

Stay Updated

Subscribe to McInnes Cooper to stay current with our leading insights on legal updates, trends, news, events, and services.

Connect With Us:
  • Follow us on Twitter @mcinnescooper
  • Like us on Facebook @mcinnescooperlaw
  • Join us on LinkedIn @mcinnes-cooper
  • 1.866.439.6246
  • Privacy Policy
  • Copyright © 2022 — McInnes Cooper
Lex Mundi Logo MC Advisory Logo