New bill to boost safety standards for Canada’s offshore workforce

The Honourable Greg Rickford, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, today issued a statement following the passage of the Offshore Health and Safety Act (Bill C-5) in the House of Commons.

The Offshore Health and Safety Act has now been referred to the Senate for consideration. “Our government is protecting Canadians and the environment while supporting jobs and growth. The Offshore Health and Safety Act, passed today in the House of Commons, will enhance safety standards for workers in Canada’s Atlantic offshore oil and gas industry.”

Bill C-5 enshrines the safety of offshore workers in legislation by clarifying roles and responsibilities, increasing transparency, covering workers in transit to offshore platforms, as well as providing enforcement powers for occupational health and safety officers.

The Act makes changes to the Canada-Newfoundland Atlantic Accord Implementation Act and the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act. The Government of Canada said it worked collaboratively with the provinces of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador to develop this legislation, and both provincial legislatures have already passed these amendments.