Written Comments
As the lead and lifecycle regulator of the Canada-Nova Scotia offshore area, the CNSOER recognizes that in carrying out our regulatory processes, it is important to engage with Indigenous groups and rights holders, the fishing sector, the public, and other stakeholders.
Petroleum-related Call for Bids NS25-1P - What We Heard Report
As part of the petroleum-related Call for Bids process, the CNSOER invited Indigenous groups and rights holders,
the fishing sector, the public, industry and other stakeholders to provide written comments on petroleum-related Call for Bids NS25-1P. The public written comment period began on July 7, 2025 and closed on September 5, 2025. Comments on petroleum-related Call for Bids NS25-1P are available for the public to view as well as for potential bidders to review prior to bidding on a parcel.
To ensure our public written commenting period is fair and consistent, all feedback was complied into a What We Heard report. Comments marked as confidential in nature (e.g. Indigenous knowledge) have not been posted publicly.
The petroleum-related Call for Bids NS25-1P What We Heard report includes a summary of written comments, including general themes that emerged from comments submitted, and a table highlighting comments received, including any letters submitted by commentors. Unless marked as confidential or the commentor has requested that their comment not be shared publicly, the What We Heard report includes all comments received for petroleum-related Call for Bids NS25-1P. These comments have been included verbatim with no edits except for the removal of any profanities and inappropriate language.
Click on the link below to download the petroleum-related Call for Bids NS25-1P What We Heard report:
Next Steps
The Board of the CNSOER will review the comments received prior to considering the issuance of an Exploration Licence (EL) in the Canada-Nova Scotia offshore area.
Petroleum-related Call for Bids NS25-1P is still open. Bids completed in the proper format must be received by the CNSOER before April 28, 2026, before 4:00 p.m. ADT. Successful bidder(s) may be awarded an EL(s), subject to the federal and provincial Ministerial review and approval process set out in legislation. If EL(s) are issued for these parcels, the effective date will be August 6, 2026.
To stay informed about petroleum-related Call for Bids NS25-1P, visit continue to visit our website.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the public written comment period or the What We Heard report for the petroleum-related Call for Bids NS25-1P, please email info@cnsoer.ca