Oilfield service group says relief from counter-tariffs on U.S. sand ‘fantastic news'
The sand is used in the hydraulic fracturing — or fracking — process to help free resources trapped in hard-to-access shale formations deep underground.
It's among the imported U.S. goods on which Canada has imposed a surcharge in retaliation for President Donald Trump's flurry of tariffs.
Sand from Wisconsin meets the specs needed by Canadian drillers, and the lion's share of what they use is brought in from the Midwestern state.
A federal order published in the Canada Gazette newsletter this week says relief is available for companies that import silica and quartz sand, among other products.
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Gurpreet Lail, the chief executive of industry group Enserva, says it's fantastic news, as the counter-tariffs on sand alone would have cost industry $275 million a year.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 17, 2025.
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Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Calgary Herald ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. 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Annual fee: $399 Welcome bonus: Up to 70,000 Avion points 35,000 points on approval 20,000 points when you spend $5,000 in the first 6 months 15,000 points anniversary bonus after 12 months 1.25x Avion points on all purchases (including bills, groceries, gas, entertainment, restaurants, travel) Redemption rate: 100 points = $1 or choose fixed pricing: 35,000 points will get you a round-trip flight anywhere in North America (plus taxes and fees) Key perks: Six complimentary airport lounge passes Access to business/first-class flight redemptions at preferred rates No blackout dates or seat restrictions on flights Convert points to WestJet dollars, British Airways Avios, and more Save 3¢/L at Petro-Canada and earn 20 per cent more Petro Points Visa Infinite Privilege concierge and travel insurance BMO Eclipse Infinite Privilege Card Photo by BMO Highlights for this card include a solid earning rate on everyday purchases and a $200 annual credit. Annual fee: $599 Welcome bonus: 120,000 BMO Rewards Points 50,000 points when you spend $6,000 in the first 3 months 30,000 points when you spend $30,000 in the first 6 months 40,000 points when you spend $75,000 in the first year 5x points on dining, groceries, gas, travel and drugstore purchases 1x point on everything else 150 points = $1 towards travel related bookings $200 annual lifestyle credit Six airport lounge visits Visa Infinite Privilege benefits TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card Photo by TD While most IP cards offer six lounge passes per year, this card offer unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access for you and a guest and other great Air Canada perks. Annual fee: $599 Welcome bonus: Up to 85,000 Aeroplan points 20,000 points on first purchase 35,000 points when you spend $12,000 in the first 180 days 30,000 points when you spend $24,000 in the first year 2x points on Air Canada purchases 1.5x points on gas, EV charging, groceries, travel and transit and dining 1.25x points on all other purchases Unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges for you and a guest and six additional airport lounge visits through Visa Airport Companion Program Priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling on Air Canada flights $100 NEXUS fee rebate Annual round trip companion pass from $99 CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card Photo by CIBC Much like TD's offering mentioned above, CIBC's Aeroplan IP card is great for those who travel frequently with Air Canada. Annual fee: $599 Welcome bonus: Up to 85,000 Aeroplan points 20,000 points on first purchase 30,000 points when you spend $12,000 in the first 4 months 35,000 points when you spend $24,000 in the first year 2x points on Air Canada purchases 1.5x points on gas, EV charging, groceries, travel and dining 1.25x points on all other purchases Unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges for you and a guest and six additional airport lounge visits through Visa Airport Companion Program Priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling on Air Canada flights NEXUS rebate Visa Infinite Privilege benefits including concierge, hotel upgrades, and more Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Privilege Card Photo by Scotiabank With a $250 annual travel credit and 10 lounge passes, this card is a great option for those who want to maximize their Scene+ points. Annual fee: $599 Welcome bonus: 80,000 Scene+ points 30,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first three months 30,000 points when you spend $20,000 in the first six months 20,000 points when you make a purchase in the 14 th month of card ownership 6x Scene+ points on travel booked through Scene+ Travel (Expedia) 2x points on dining and entertainment 1x point on all other purchases Redemption rate: 100 Scene+ points = $1 $250 annual travel credit No foreign transaction fees 10 complimentary airport lounge visits If the premium cards aren't a fit for your lifestyle or budget, consider the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard if you fly with WestJet frequently, or the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card if you're a regular with Air Canada. Both cards offer free first checked bags for you and up to eight travel companions. The fees for your first checked bag on an Air Canada within North America range from $35-$42 per way, while on WestJet it ranges from $45-$77. This alone may make the cards' fees worthwhile. WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard Photo by RBC Annual fee: $119 Welcome bonus: 45,000 WestJet points when you spend a minimum of $5,000 in the first 3 months 1.5x points on everyday purchases 2x points on WestJet flights or WestJet Vacations Redemption rate: 100 points = $1 First checked bag free on WestJet flights for cardholder and up to 8 guests on same reservation Discounted annual round-trip companion voucher TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card Photo by TD Annual fee: $139 (annual fee rebated in first year) Welcome bonus: 40,000 Aeroplan points 10,000 points upon first purchase 15,000 points after spending $7,500 in first 180 days 15,000 points after spending $12,000 in the first 12 months 1.5x points on gas, EV charging, groceries and Air Canada purchases 1x points on everything else First checked bag free on Air Canada flights for cardholder and up to 8 guests on same reservation NEXUS fee rebate
