Regulatory, Indigenous and Environmental

Consult before exploring: mineral tenure and Indigenous rights

In Osler Legal Outlook, we explore what these developments could mean for mineral exploration in 2025 and beyond.

The changing environment of federal impact assessment

The current state of the federal Impact Assessment Act is examined, and possible future changes to the Act are explored.

Developing Canada’s critical minerals for energy transition

Regulatory reform in the mining sector is needed to cultivate the development of Canada’s critical minerals for energy transition.

Québec introduces Bill 81 to amend various environmental laws

On November 20, Québec tabled Bill 81, which would amend the majority of the province’s environmental legislation.

Indigenous Law Insights: Year in Review

Legal and business professionals in many industries across Canada consider it essential to stay abreast of developments in Indigenous law and...

Federal government announces constitutionally questionable oil and gas sector emissions cap

Utilizing a cap-and-trade system, the proposed regulations would require the sector to reduce emissions by 35% below 2019 emissions by 2030.

Indigenous Law Insights: a look at the duty to consult test and declaratory relief

Legal and business professionals in many industries across Canada consider it essential to stay abreast of developments in Indigenous law and...

Grassy Narrows brings the battle over mining claims and the duty to consult to Ontario

A notice of application alleges that the Ontario Mining Act violates a First Nation's treaty rights and contravenes principles laid out in the UNDRIP.

Blueberry River First Nations files claim against B.C. for the Gundy Plan

On July 8, 2024, Blueberry River First Nations (BRFN) filed a Notice of Civil Claim^[1] (the Claim) against the province of British...

B.C.’s forever litigation: first tobacco, then opioids, now ‘forever chemicals’

On June 21, 2024, the B.C. government filed a proposed national class action in the Supreme Court of British Columbia against manufacturers of...