News release

Georges Bank Moratorium Extended to 2022

Energy (June 2002 - July 2018)

Government has introduced legislation to extend the moratorium on oil and gas exploration and drilling on Georges Bank to Dec. 31, 2022.

Under the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation (Nova Scotia) Act, government will also have the ability to further extend the moratorium in increments of 10 years.

"Nova Scotians have been very clear about wanting the moratorium to remain in place," said Energy Minister Michel Samson. "The Georges Bank fishery supports an important part of our rural and provincial economy, and this legislation will ensure this area remains protected for the long-term sustainability of these important fishing grounds."

The existing policy moratorium is set to expire on Dec. 31.

Over the past few years, government has been actively working to reinstate the Georges Bank Moratorium under the accord acts, resulting in amendments to the federal version of the act being passed this past spring. The provincial bill mirrors the federal legislation, which is part of the joint management approach for the Canada-Nova Scotia offshore area.

These changes will be reflected in the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation (Nova Scotia) Act.

The legislation will also repeal the Offshore Licensing Policy Act (2010), which will no longer be required.