FOR RELEASE
February 12, 2014
WHITEHORSE—The Yukon government has entered into a services agreement with the British Columbia Oil and Gas Commission to share information and cooperate on common interests such as responsible regulation of industry activity.
“The BC Oil and Gas Commission and the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources share the goals of safety, excellence in operations, and responsible resource management,” Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources Scott Kent said. “This agreement establishes an important link with our southern neighbour and we look forward to accessing such extensive knowledge and experience regulating the oil and gas industry.”
The agreement includes the sharing of information such as guidelines and lessons learned; cooperating in the review and assessment of development programs; and, working collaboratively on common issues such as trans-boundary oil and gas basins and regulation development.
“British Columbia prides itself on our safe and environmentally appropriate development practices, which are best established when we collaborate with other jurisdictions,” said British Columbia’s Minister of Natural Gas Development Rich Coleman. “This agreement with the Yukon government will strengthen an already positive relationship and advance mutual goals to responsibly develop oil and gas resources.”
The Yukon government continues to improve its regulatory regime for oil and gas management since authority for the sector was devolved from the federal government in 1998. This partnership builds on the Yukon government’s goal of having a well-regulated and successful industry. This agreement also complements an existing service agreement that Energy, Mines and Resources has with the National Energy Board.
“We’ve gained experience through the modernization of our legislation and through B.C.’s shift to development of our shale resources,” said Paul Jeakins, CEO and Commissioner of the BC Oil and Gas Commission. ”We are very happy to be sharing our experiences with our neighbours in the Yukon.”
The BC Oil and Gas Commission is British Columbia’s single-window regulatory agency with responsibilities for regulating oil and gas activities, including exploration, development, pipeline transportation and reclamation. This includes ensuring industry compliance with applicable laws, regulations and permit-specific requirements, as well as resource conservation and stewardship through environmental management and protection.
Learn more
Yukon’s Oil and Gas Resources: www.yukonoilandgas.com
BC Oil and Gas Commission: www.bcogc.ca
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Contact:
Elaine Schiman
Cabinet Communications
867-633-7961
elaine.schiman@gov.yk.ca
Hardy Friedrich
Communications Manager
BC Oil and Gas Commission
250-794-5219
Jesse Devost
Communications, Energy, Mines and Resources
867-667-5809
jesse.devost@gov.yk.ca
News release #14-035
NT4