Canada: Oil, Gas & Electricity

The Government of Canada has amended the Physical Activities Regulations, removing certain intraprovincial energy projects and facilities regulated by the Canada Energy Regulator from the federal Impact Assessment Act's Project List. This regulatory change eliminates automatic federal oversight for fossil fuel-fired power plants and specific oil sands facilities, while transferring assessment responsibilities for interprovincial pipelines and transmission lines to the Canada Energy Regulator, potentially re

On September 3, the Government of Canada published amendments removing seven types of energy projects from the Physical Activities Regulations (the Project List) under the Impact Assessment Act (IAA). As a result, these types of projects will no longer be subject to the IAA but will continue to be regulated by the Canada Energy Regulator Act (CER Act) or applicable provincial environmental assessment regimes.

As Europe's second-largest manufacturer, Italy presents compelling opportunities for Canadian businesses across sectors central to growth and competitiveness. In this conversation, Gowling WLG's CEO and Italy's Ambassador to Canada explore emerging opportunities in energy, critical minerals, agri-food, and defence, and how frameworks like CETA can deepen strategic collaboration across the Canada-Italy corridor.

The Alberta Court of Appeal's decision in Alberta (Energy and Minerals) v Spartan Delta Corp addresses whether Crown royalty arrears claims can survive CCAA vesting orders when oil and gas leases are sold.

Indigenous support is critical to energy, infrastructure and resource project success in Canada. Indigenous involvement in these projects is also evolving.

Osler's Legislative Update is a bi-weekly listing of new legislation. This issue covers legislation for the period 07/09 to 07/22.

As artificial intelligence reshapes the global economy and data centres account for over 25% of worldwide greenfield investment, Canada faces a critical infrastructure challenge: how to site, build, and power these facilities at scale. With electricity generation managed by provincial authorities, each jurisdiction has developed distinct regulatory approaches to balance grid capacity constraints with the economic opportunities presented by this rapidly growing sector.

Québec's data centre landscape is undergoing a dramatic regulatory transformation. Once positioned as a prime destination with abundant renewable energy and competitive rates, the province is now implementing stricter controls over electricity allocation through Bill 69, new ministerial approval requirements, and proposed tariff increases that could double energy costs.

Canada has released a comprehensive nuclear energy strategy aimed at doubling uranium exports by 2035, leveraging the country's world-leading uranium reserves to strengthen global supply chains and establish long-term strategic partnerships. The strategy focuses on expanding domestic uranium production, advancing mining innovations, and positioning Canada as a preferred supplier amid growing international demand for reliable nuclear fuel sources.