Expanded legislation to help Sask. landowners collect after drilling

Saskatchewan landowners who are owed money after oil and gas drilling on their property will soon have an easier time collecting thanks to expanded legislation.

According to Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Energy and Resources, amendments to existing legislation and regulations will give the ministry and the Surface Rights Board of Arbitration more powers to enforce delinquent payments from oil and gas licensees and ensure landowners receive the proper compensation for any damages.

The amended legislation also adds helium and lithium to the set of commodities overseen by the board.

The amended regulations are expected to take effect on Jan. 1.