The stakeholder feedback period for Directive 051 proposed changes closed on April 16, 2026. The AER is currently reviewing feedback and has not yet released a final version of the directive.

Potential changes under consideration:

• Classify high-water-content hydraulic fracturing flowback fluids as a Class II fluid.
• Establish specific disposal requirements for these flowback fluids.
• Clarify eligibility and operating requirements for Class 1A and Class 1B disposal wells.
• Expand Directive 051 to recognize disposal of fluids beyond traditional produced water and brine-equivalent fluids.
• Introduce new and revised definitions to improve regulatory clarity.
• Add requirements aimed at minimizing cellar space during well construction and operation.
• Update technical and administrative requirements to better align with current industry practices.

The proposed revisions could affect operators involved in fluid disposal, injection wells, and hydraulic fracturing flowback management if adopted in their current form.

Bulletin 2026-10 | Alberta Energy Regulator

AER Bulletin 2026-18 announces revised Directive 088 and Manual 023 for licensee life-cycle management. Updates clarify closure nomination processes, introduce a CN Licensee Response Form, revise closure activity timelines and reporting tables, rename closure spend terms to “licensee quota” and “industry closure quota,” and add directed closure authority for prioritizing closure work. Affected licensees will be contacted directly.

Bulletin 2026-18 | Alberta Energy Regulator

AER Bulletin 2026-17 announces updates to Directive 067 and Directive 068. The changes define what constitutes a new licensee, clarify that security deposit requirements apply to new licensees involved in licence transfers and security refunds, and replace the term “mandatory closure spend” with “licensee quota” to align with updated closure management terminology. The revised directives took effect on April 21, 2026..

Bulletin 2026-17 | Alberta Energy Regulator

BT2026-004 announces amendments to Directive PNG011 (Allowable Rate of Production – Gas Wells) and Directive PNG013 (Well Data Submission Requirements). The changes mainly move existing Absolute Open Flow (AOF) gas well testing requirements from a separate guideline into the directives, improving accessibility, clarity, and enforceability. The revisions also update terminology, reorganize content, remove outdated information, and align submission requirements related to AOF testing. The amendments took effect following industry consultation completed in spring 2026

Saskatchewan Bulletin BT2026-004