Bill C-49
Bill C-49 is an Act to amend the Canada—Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act and the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act and to make consequential amendments to
other Acts. As a result, legislation in Newfoundland and Labrador now exists for the development of offshore wind.
The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB) will
become the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Energy Regulator (C-NLOER).
FFAW provided witness testimony to the Standing Committee on Natural Resources on February 8th and submitted a supporting written brief. FFAW provided a second witness testimony to the Senate Committee on June 13th. Readings on Bill C-49 have since completed and the Bill has been passed Federally. The Provincial Government will now begin the process of passing mirror legislation.
Directly as a result of FFAW-Unifor input, a fisheries amendment was successfully included to give important consideration to the effects on fishing activities during the submerged land licence issuance processes.
Key points highlighted by the Union:
- Offshore wind energy expansion has a direct impact on fish harvesters who will be faced with competition for ocean space and absolutely affected by new infrastructure
- Co-location and coexistence represents a major, unanswered concern.
- Continued ineffective inclusion in consultations will lead to undue conflict amongst fisheries stakeholders, other ocean user-groups, future investors, and developers of offshore wind.
- There is no mechanism to support imperative engagements for offshore wind and
fishing industries.
FFAW-Unifor is committed to participating in all consultations where energy projects will affect the commercial fishery – either directly or indirectly. While the Union is supportive of a transition to greener energy, the development of this industry CANNOT come at the expense of the fishery.