Migratory Birds Rules Added to Oil and Gas Act

Summary#

This is the Order Amending Schedule 2 to the Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act (SOR/2022-108). It replaces an entry in Schedule 2 to the Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act to list the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022 (specifically provisions 5(1)(a), (b) and (c)). The order took effect on July 30, 2022 (or on registration if registered later).

What it does#

• Replaces Item 3 of Part 2 of Schedule 2 to the Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act with a new entry that lists the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022, and specifically the provisions 5(1)(a), (b) and (c).
• States the order comes into force on July 30, 2022 (or on the day it is registered if registration happens after that date).
• Notes that the Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement for this order appears with SOR/2022-105, the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022.

Who's affected#

• Companies and operators regulated under the Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act — likely businesses involved in oil and gas activities where the Act applies.
• Regulators and government officials who manage oil and gas operations and wildlife protections (the order was made on recommendation of the Minister of Northern Affairs, the Minister of Natural Resources and the Minister of the Environment).
• Communities, Indigenous groups, and environmental organizations with an interest in migratory bird protection near oil and gas activities.
• The Gazette item itself does not explain in detail how day-to-day permits or activities will change, so it is unclear exactly which operators or projects will see concrete new requirements.

Why it matters#

• Listing parts of the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022 in Schedule 2 links those migratory-bird rules more directly with the regulatory framework that governs certain oil and gas operations. That can affect how bird protection requirements are applied to projects.
• For operators, this may change planning, mitigation or reporting around activities that could affect migratory birds. For communities and conservation groups, it clarifies that migratory bird protections are being considered alongside oil and gas regulation.
• The Canada Gazette notice does not spell out operational details or enforcement changes; the accompanying Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement (with SOR/2022-105) is where you can find more explanation.