The Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia and British Columbia have signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) in a bid to advance Canada’s marine renewable energy industry.

The MoU outlines key priorities, including partnering on research and technology development, and sharing information and best practices in regulation and permitting.

"To advance Canada’s position as a leader in marine renewable energy, we need a co-ordinated approach – one that unites our country from coast to coast," said Energy Minister Michel Samson. "Nova Scotia’s partnership with B.C. will do just that, providing access to more information and helping build our national expertise in marine renewable energy to maximize the opportunity for Canada."

The MoU will see both provinces further develop the tidal resource in the Bay of Fundy and wave-generated energy on British Columbia’s west coast. They will also set up a council of senior government officials, which will bring together public and private sector interested parties to move ahead with priorities outlined in the MoU and help ensure a consistent regulatory framework across Canada.