The Alberta government has identified, and is taking proactive steps to address, the looming threat of a severe drought this year. As negotiations unfold to secure water-sharing agreements, a cascade of legal and economic considerations emerges. In particular, the implications for various sectors, including agriculture and oil and gas, pose challenges and require well thought-out responses. In a recent letter, the Alberta government Government informed water licence holders that it will be bringing together major water licence holders to negotiate water sharing agreements.
On March 28, 2024, British Columbia B.C. and the Council of the Haida Nation Haida Nation released the draft Gaayhllxid • Gíihlagalgang “Rising Tide” Haida Title Lands Agreement Draft Agreement which along with supporting legislation formally recognizes Haida Nation as the holder of Haida Title throughout Haida Gwaii. The Draft Agreement also confirms the transition over time of land- and resource-related governance powers from B.C. to Haida Nation as a result of the title recognition.
The Association of Mineral Exploration (AME) and McMillan LLP law firm are raising concerns over the B.C. government’s temporary ban on mining and mineral exploration activities on Banks Island and a part of Vancouver Island.