Oil, Gas Development Banned in BC's Sacred Headwaters
The BC government has confirmed a ban on oil and gas development in the Sacred Headwaters region of northwestern BC. "As part of a tripartite agreement, Shell Canada is immediately withdrawing plans to explore for natural gas in the Klappan by relinquishing its tenures," the province said in a release. "In addition, the Province of British Columbia will not issue future petroleum and natural-gas tenure in the area." A four-year ban on oil and gas exploration in the area expired December 2012. Click here to view the full CBC article.

Changes to Controlled Alien Species Regulation 94/2009
The BC government has amended the controlled alien species regulation to protect our environment, with tough fines for those who introduce invasive species into local ecosystems. The BC government has strengthened the regulation, acting on a previous commitment to ban the snakehead fish. All public comments received on the government’s policy paper supported strong action on this issue. Main measures include:

• Prohibiting the possession, breeding, release or transportation of high-risk aquatic species such as the snakehead. Releasing a live snakehead into local waters could result in a fine of up to $250,000.
• Requiring that no invasive zebra or quagga mussel, alive or dead, be present on boats or related equipment. Failure to clean mussels off boats or equipment could result in a fine of up to $100,000.

Supreme Court Holds Environmental Orders
Can Be Compromised in CCAA Proceedings
On December 7, 2012, the Supreme Court of Canada released its decision in Newfoundland and Labrador v. AbitibiBowater Inc. The Supreme Court held that orders issued by environmental regulators requiring the remediation of contaminated property can, if certain criteria are met, be characterized as monetary claims, and those claims can be subject to compromise in insolvency proceedings. This decision has important implications for commercial lenders, restructuring companies and stakeholders of companies that have historical environmental liabilities. View the full article published by Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP.