Legislation to enable the development of offshore wind energy projects in Atlantic Canada has become law.

Bill C-49 expands the mandate of offshore boards in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador to include renewable energy projects, ensuring a consistent regulatory regime in federal-provincial jointly managed areas.

The new law will help achieve green energy self-sufficiency, benefit the economy and improve the livelihoods of families and communities, said Senator Iris Petten, the Government Liaison from Newfoundland and Labrador who sponsored the legislation.

“Canada finds itself in a unique position. Around the world and in the context of the transition from fossil fuels that is occurring, major investment is flowing toward renewable energy projects. This is creating jobs and economic opportunity, and this is particularly true for the offshore wind industry,” Senator Petten said.

• Read Senator Petten’s full third reading speech here.

“With the longest coastlines in the world and wind speeds rivalled only by those of the North Sea, where this industry began, there is every reason why Canada should benefit from this investment.”

Senator Petten noted the legislation “is the product of years of collaboration and negotiation between the governments of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and the federal government, a true example of cooperative federalism at its best. In fact, Nova Scotia has already passed their own mirror legislation, and Newfoundland and Labrador must pass their own to bring these joint management measures into effect.”