Offshore Accord and Parks Acts Receive Assent

Summary#

The House of Commons section of the Canada Gazette notes the publication of a standing order about private bills and records that Royal Assent was given on October 3, 2024 to two Acts. Those Acts are Bill C-49, Chapter 20, 2024 (which amends the Canada—Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act and the Canada‑Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act) and Bill C-76, Chapter 21, 2024 (which amends the Canada National Parks Act).

What it does#

• Reminds readers that Standing Order 130 (rules about notices for intended private-bill applications) was previously published on November 20, 2021, and gives a contact for the Private Members’ Business Office.
• Records that the Governor General signified Royal Assent by written declaration under the Royal Assent Act. The Senate and the House of Commons were notified of that declaration on October 3, 2024.
• Lists the two Acts that received assent:
  • Bill C-49, Chapter 20, 2024 — amends the Canada—Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act and the Canada‑Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act, and makes consequential amendments to other Acts.
  • Bill C-76, Chapter 21, 2024 — amends the Canada National Parks Act.

Who's affected#

• People and groups with an interest in offshore petroleum in the Atlantic, since Bill C-49 changes the federal laws that implement the Newfoundland and Nova Scotia offshore accords. This likely includes provincial governments, companies operating offshore, and nearby communities — the Gazette text does not give details about the practical effects.
• People who use or manage national parks, since Bill C-76 changes the Canada National Parks Act. The Gazette notice does not explain what the park changes are.
• Anyone following private-bill procedure or private members’ business may note the reference to Standing Order 130 and the Private Members’ Business Office contact.

Why it matters#

• Royal Assent is the final formal step that turns a passed bill into an Act. The items listed are now recorded as having received assent on October 3, 2024.
• Changes to the offshore accord implementation acts could affect how offshore resources are governed in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, with possible economic and environmental implications for local communities and companies (the Gazette entry itself does not describe those specifics).
• Changes to the Canada National Parks Act could alter rules for park management or public use of parks; the notice confirms assent but does not summarize the content of the amendments.