AER Directive 085, OneStop Notifications and Natural Hydrogen

This October 2026 regulatory newsletter highlights four developments affecting Western Canadian energy operators. The AER has proposed Directive 085 to replace Information Letter 85-12 and formalize application requirements for primary recovery schemes in oil sands areas, including amendments, scheme boundaries, mineral-rights notification and development plans. The comment period closes October 21, 2026. Beginning November 2, 2026, several operational notifications, including drilling commencement, abandonment, flaring and venting, will move to OneStop, while existing reporting requirements and deadlines remain unchanged. In Saskatchewan, natural hydrogen exploration is being addressed through the Helium and Associated Gases permitting and leasing framework, with additional project-specific requirements potentially applying. The AER has also updated Directive 068 to recognize approved Demand Forfeiture Bonds as an additional security option and clarify provisions for oilfield waste facilities and cash security deposits. Refer to the original newsletter and regulator bulletins for complete requirements and effective dates.