YELLOWKNIFE (February 27, 2014) – The Executive Council of the Northwest Territories has designated Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) David Ramsay as the Regulator of onshore oil and gas activities in the Northwest Territories outside of federal areas and the Inuvialuit Settlement Region effective April 1, 2014.
Regulatory responsibilities include the conservation of petroleum resources, environmental protection and ensuring public health and safety as set out in proposed NWT mirror legislation, including the Oil and Gas Operations Act and regulations, Petroleum Resources Act and regulations and regulations under the Northwest Territories Lands Act. Naming the Regulator is an important part of final preparations for a seamless transition of responsibilities for public lands, waters and resource from the Government of Canada.
“This model was arrived at by careful review and consideration of several possible models and is consistent with how Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Yukon have successfully regulated oil and gas activities for years,” said Premier Bob McLeod. “Appointing Minister Ramsay as Regulator is consistent with our goal of having Northerners in charge of decision making and will ensure that regulatory practices reflect Northwest Territories priorities, support sustainable development and provide industry with a clear and predictable regulatory process.”
A new Office of the Regulator of Oil and Gas Operations is being integrated into ITI’s existing organizational structure to support the new responsibilities. Many regulatory functions will be delegated to a Chief Conservation Officer and Chief Safety Officer, who will be guided by an integrated resource management approach that includes NWT legislation, policies, strategies and frameworks like the Sustainable Development Policy, Land Use and Sustainability Framework and Water Stewardship Strategy.
ITI is negotiating two-year service agreements with both the National Energy Board and the Alberta Energy Regulator to provide advisory and technical services and to ensure business continuity during the transition phase. Regulatory decisions will ultimately be made by the NWT Regulator, who will be responsible for ensuring that regulatory activities and decisions are consistent with the GNWT’s overall legislation and policy framework and reflect and advance NWT priorities.
For more information:
Brenda Norris
Media Liaison
Office of the Premier/Cabinet
Government of the Northwest Territories
Phone: (867) 669-2302
Email: brenda_norris@gov.nt.ca
