The Supreme Court of Canada came down on the side of the Alberta Government and the environment with their decision to not allow bankrupt oil companies to walk away from orphaned oil and gas wells.

In a 5-to-2 ruling, the court agreed with the decision from the Alberta Court of Appeal that says an energy company can't leave abandoned wells, but must clean them up.

Alberta Energy Minister Margaret McCuaig-Boyd says the decision is the right one.

"We believe that when properly interpreted, the Federal Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act does not permit oil and gas license holders to walk away from "end of life" responsibilities and obligations. We're glad the court reaffirmed that today."

The ruling turned on the conflict between federal bankruptcy law and provincial jurisdiction over the environment and energy sector.

 

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