Marine Renewables Canada's Ask an Expert Webinar Series: Webinar 3 - The Future of Offshore Wind Regulation in Canada & Insights from Global Best Practices

Marine Renewables Canada's (MRC’s) upcoming Ask an Expert webinar will delve into the complex world of regulatory frameworks, focusing on the policies and laws that guide the development, deployment, and management of offshore wind farms.

This time, the webinar will feature two speakers – providing attendees with a unique opportunity to explore and compare different ways of regulating offshore wind, while also gaining insight into how Canada’s approach fits within the global context.

Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of offshore wind regulation with expert guests, Jon Brady, Deputy Director of the Renewable and Electrical Energy Division in the Department of Natural Resources and Gordon McIntosh, Chairman of Aberdeen International Associates (AIA).

Meet the speakers 

Jon Brady serves as Deputy Director of the Renewable and Electrical Energy Division at Canada’s Department of Natural Resources. He leads the Offshore Renewables team, driving legislative, regulatory, and policy development for offshore renewable energy projects. Notably, Jon spearheads efforts such as Bill C-49, expanding the mandate of Offshore Petroleum Boards to regulate these projects in Canada’s offshore areas. His team is also developing regulations under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act for federal offshore areas. With two decades of experience, Jon has shaped federal legislative frameworks for renewable energy projects and possesses expertise in wind, solar, geothermal, tidal energy, and transmission lines.

Gordon McIntosh has over 40 years of experience in the energy sector and has been involved with Offshore Wind since 2001. He co-founded Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) to bolster the region’s economy by integrating renewables alongside North Sea Oil and Gas. As a former Director of the Aberdeen Bay Offshore Wind Farm, Gordon oversaw project planning, consent, and delivery. He now advises various stakeholders globally, spanning governments, developers, supply chains, and local communities. At AIA, Gordon consults for Offshore Wind developers like SSE and CIP. He’s recently advised Nova Scotia’s Provincial Government on Offshore Wind Licensing and Power-to-X. AIA serves as advisors to Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, leveraging local supply chains through organizations like MRC.

Gordon’s extensive career includes roles as Deputy Minister of Natural Resources for Newfoundland and Labrador and Director of Economic Development for Aberdeen City. He remains a Director at AREG, holds a Visiting Professorship at Robert Gordon University, and previously led the World Energy Cities Partnership as Secretary General.