Petroleum Land Tenure

The Petroleum-Related Call for Bids Process

We administer the petroleum-related Call for Bids process in the Canada-Nova Scotia offshore area. This process considers input from across our organization from areas such as geoscience, environment, and lands management.
 
Lands Nominations

Anyone can nominate lands to be included in a petroleum-related Call for Bids. Nominated lands are fully evaluated from both a geological and environmental perspective before we decide whether they will be included in a petroleum-related Call for Bids. Our team looks at the nominated lands to identify any concerns and will recommend ways to avoid or mitigate any potential impacts. We review these nominations comprehensively, placing a high priority on identifying environmentally sensitive areas and fisheries concerns. We also consider water depth, proximity to infrastructure, possible oil and gas resources located on the nominated lands, and data availability. In doing so, we consult and collaborate with appropriate federal and provincial government agencies to receive public policy input.

To access our petroleum-related Land Nomination use this link: 

Strategic Environmental Assessments

Petroleum-related Call for Bids nominated lands must be evaluated from an environmental perspective by way of a Strategic Environmental Assessment. If an up-to-date Strategic Environmental Assessment is not already in place, such an assessment must be completed. A Strategic Environmental Assessment is a wide-ranging study that looks at the larger environmental setting and marine environment to identify potential environmental effects that may be associated with oil and gas activity, and the associated precautionary measures that would need to be considered.

To learn more about Strategic Environmental Assessments, click here.

Announcement and Closing of a Petroleum-Related Call for Bids

Once a petroleum-related Call for Bids is announced, individuals and companies may bid for a period of at least 120 days to obtain an exploration licence. Once the Call for Bids has closed, and should we receive any bids, we evaluate them based on the terms and conditions listed in the Call for Bids. The issuance of a petroleum-related Call for Bids and awarding of exploration licences are both subject to a federal and provincial ministerial review and approval process as set out in legislation.

Exploration licences that may be issued as a result of a petroleum-related Call for Bids only grant the holder the right to make an application to explore the lands included within the licence area. Such an application would initiate our authorization review process. Our Activity Authorization page provideds a list of requirements that must be met in seeking an authorization to conduct petroleum-related activity in the Canada-Nova Scotia offshore area.

To learn more about our petroleum-related licensing process, visit the licensing section of our website.

Petroleum-Related Call for Bids Cycle

Our petroleum-related Call for Bids cycle for the issuance of an exploration licence is typically as follows:

• December 1 - Last day that nominations can be submitted for lands to be considered in the next petroleum-related Call for Bids.
• Mid-April – Petroleum-related Call for Bids lands typically announced, subject to a Fundamental Decision made by our Board members and reviewed by the federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and the provincial Minister of Energy.
• Early November - Typical timeframe a petroleum-related Call for Bids closes, with bids to be received according to the deadline specified in the Call for Bids announcement.
• January 15 - Exploration licences are typically issued to successful bidders at this time, subject to our licensing process and Fundamental Decisions made by our Board members and reviewed by the federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and the provincial Minister of Energy.