The Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator (CNSOER) administers the Call for Bids process on behalf of the federal and provincial governments for the Canada-Nova Scotia offshore area. This includes reviewing nominations, selecting Call for Bids parcels, receiving and reviewing bids, and awarding Exploration Licences (ELs). The issuance of a Call for Bids and the award of ELs are both subject to a federal and provincial Ministerial review and approval process as set out in legislation.
The annual Call for Bids process gives petroleum companies the opportunity to bid on parcels of Crown reserve land, and, if successful, be awarded an EL. EL holders may apply to the CNSOER to explore for oil and gas, but no activity can take place without authorization.
Click the link below to download the CNSOER Terms & Conditions for petroleum-related Call for Bids NS25-1P document.
Bids must be received by April 28, 2026, before 4:00 p.m. Atlantic Time.
CNSOER Terms & Conditions for petroleum-related Call for Bids NS25-1P
Source: CNSOER
