Latest news with #CanadianAssociationofEnergyContractors
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Alberta enters agreement to reduce inspection stops for oilfield service rigs
The Alberta government has entered into an agreement to cut down on the number of inspection stops for oilfield service rigs. A new memorandum of agreement with the Canadian Association of Energy Contractors, an industry advocacy group, will integrate drivers into a pre-clearance program, Drivewyze, so approved vehicles can bypass stops at select weigh stations, according to a news release the provincial government issued Thursday. But association members who subscribe to Drivewyze and meet certain safety benchmarks will be exempt from routine stops at vehicle inspection stations, the release said. "When [oil rig service providers] load up essentially the same convoy, it's the same trucks with the same weight, with the same equipment that go from location to location," Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors Devin Dreeshen said during a news conference. "This has been a long-standing industry concern of always having to go to the weight stations." Before this agreement, these rig convoys had to stop at every vehicle inspection station on their route, the news release said. But now, transponders on the trucks would allow them to pass by inspection and weigh stations, Dreeshen said, comparing Drivewyze to the federal Nexus program, which was designed to speed up Canada-U.S. border crossings for low-risk, pre-approved travellers. The agreement will make it easier for the rigs "to spend more time in the field and less time dealing with administrative burdens," Dreeshen said. Mark Scholz, president and CEO of the Canadian Association of Energy Contractors, said the agreement "recognizes the unique transportation requirements that this industry needs." The risk level and portfolio of oilfield service rigs are different from other kinds of rigs, because they spend much more time stationary performing well-serving operations, Scholz said, adding that sometimes, the oilfield service rigs drive as little as 500 kilometres a year. The new agreement "serves as a model for potential alignment with Saskatchewan and Manitoba," the news release said. The Opposition NDP was unable to provide CBC News with a comment on the new agreement before publication.
CBC
2 days ago
- Automotive
- CBC
Alberta enters agreement to reduce inspection stops for oilfield service rigs
The Alberta government has entered into an agreement to cut down on the number of inspection stops for oilfield service rigs. A new memorandum of agreement with the Canadian Association of Energy Contractors, an industry advocacy group, will integrate drivers into a pre-clearance program, Drivewyze, so approved vehicles can bypass stops at select weigh stations, according to a news release the provincial government issued Thursday. But association members who subscribe to Drivewyze and meet certain safety benchmarks will be exempt from routine stops at vehicle inspection stations, the release said. "When [oil rig service providers] load up essentially the same convoy, it's the same trucks with the same weight, with the same equipment that go from location to location," Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors Devin Dreeshen said during a news conference. "This has been a long-standing industry concern of always having to go to the weight stations." Before this agreement, these rig convoys had to stop at every vehicle inspection station on their route, the news release said. But now, transponders on the trucks would allow them to pass by inspection and weigh stations, Dreeshen said, comparing Drivewyze to the federal Nexus program, which was designed to speed up Canada-U.S. border crossings for low-risk, pre-approved travellers. The agreement will make it easier for the rigs "to spend more time in the field and less time dealing with administrative burdens," Dreeshen said. Mark Scholz, president and CEO of the Canadian Association of Energy Contractors, said the agreement "recognizes the unique transportation requirements that this industry needs." The risk level and portfolio of oilfield service rigs are different from other kinds of rigs, because they spend much more time stationary performing well-serving operations, Scholz said, adding that sometimes, the oilfield service rigs drive as little as 500 kilometres a year. The new agreement "serves as a model for potential alignment with Saskatchewan and Manitoba," the news release said.
Hamilton Spectator
24-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
New federal energy minister tells oil and gas execs it's time for some quick wins
CALGARY - Canada's new energy minister walked into the lion's den Friday and spoke to oil and gas executives in Calgary about Ottawa's plans to turn the country into an energy superpower. 'I'm not here to waste your time,' Tim Hodgson told an event at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. Hodgson said it's time for a reset and that major projects need to get done in a more timely manner. He said the federal government will have a single body in charge of approving all major projects in two years. 'No more five-year reviews. Decisions will come in two years for all projects. This is not a time for half measures or slow steps,' he said. 'Canada will no longer be defined by delay. We will be defined by delivery.' Hodgson said there are two types of projects: large ones that are in the national interest and may take longer to complete and others that could happen sooner. 'There are common projects that we can identify which will be quick wins,' he said. 'I think we were elected to show some quick wins.' The minister was planning to meet later Friday with his Alberta counterpart, Brian Jean. He also sat down Thursday with Saskatchewan deputy premier Jim Reiter. Some oil executives said Hodgson's comments are encouraging, but only time will tell if they come to fruition. 'There's a lot of cautious optimism in the room,' said Craig Watt, vice-president of operations for Enserva, a national association representing energy companies. 'I think we have some hope at the moment, but we're going to be watching to make sure the minister and the government lives up to what they're promising.' Alberta Minister of Indigenous Relations Rajan Sawhney said she was encouraged after hearing the speech. 'That Canada needs to be a superpower in terms of conventional and clean energy and the fact that we're looking at accelerated timelines is also very encouraging. Looking forward to a productive working relationship,' she said. Mark Scholz, president and CEO of the Canadian Association of Energy Contractors, said he was also impressed. 'Our workers matter. And the fact (Hodgson) came out and said the oil and gas sector is an absolutely critical part of the Canadian economy ... these are very encouraging statements,' he said. 'At the end of the day, we're willing to work with the government. 'We want to see big projects built.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 23, 2025.
National Observer
30-04-2025
- Business
- National Observer
Energy, environmental groups are hopeful after the Liberal federal election win
Energy industry groups and environmental advocates were striking a hopeful note a day after voters returned the Liberals to power in Ottawa with a minority mandate. "A new federal government offers an opportunity to rejuvenate Canada's economy and its approach to natural resource development," said Lisa Baiton, head of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers. She said the group was encouraged by the tone of Liberal Leader Mark Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre during the campaign when it came to the importance of the oil and gas industry to Canada's economy and national security. "Canada stands at a pivotal moment in its history — caught in a trade war with our closest trading partner and facing direct challenges to our sovereignty from the president of the United States. With the global economic uncertainty being caused by actions in the United States, Canada has an opportunity to stand out as a stable, trusted trading partner," she said. Mark Scholz, who leads the Canadian Association of Energy Contractors, said he's optimistic the industry will have a better rapport with Carney than with his predecessor, former prime minister Justin Trudeau. "I think that the prime minister has tried to distance himself from the really dark period of the Trudeau administration. It was a government that did not have a very good relationship with the industry. The industry didn't trust them," he said. "So he has a huge opportunity to unite the country." Tristan Goodman, who leads the Explorers and Producers Association of Canada, said he's hopeful Carney's economic chops will be reflected in his party's policies. Carney previously headed up central banks in Canada and the United Kingdom. Carney said his party would streamline project reviews, but keep the industrial carbon levy, emissions cap and review legislation. He took a positive tone toward the sector during the campaign, Goodman said, but "there's also skepticism" on the part of industry. "Hopefully that constructive language will move into tangible action that can actually meet all these expectations of growing the energy business while also addressing climate issues and increasing the opportunities for Indigenous Nations and Indigenous Canadians." Shortly before the campaign began, 14 oil and gas top executives wrote an open letter to the federal party leaders arguing unspecified emergency powers should be invoked to speed along infrastructure projects deemed in the 'national interest.' The executives called for a simplification of regulation and a commitment to firm six-month deadlines for project approvals. They also urged the elimination of the federal government's cap on emissions, the repeal of the federal carbon levy on large emitters and loan guarantees to help Indigenous co-investment opportunities. Poilievre promised during the campaign that if his party won, it would do everything on the oil and gas bosses' wish list. The leader of clean-energy think tank Pembina Institute said the election came at a pivotal moment for Canada's economic resilience and energy security — and electrification is the way to get there. The institute is calling for the build-out of a national electricity grid powered by clean energy, expanding Canada's electric vehicle charging network, funding home efficiency upgrades and other measures. 'This government — and everyone in Canada — has an opportunity to choose a pathway to long-term financial stability, secured global leadership and increased well-being for all. This pathway is rooted in clean energy," said Chris Severson-Baker. Tim Gray, with Environmental Defence, cautioned Carney against spending public money on pipelines or support for fossil fuels. "We trust that Mr. Carney knows full well that Canada's economic future will be best secured by focusing on where the global energy system is going, not where it has been." Climate Action Network's Caroline Brouillette noted Carney's past work on tackling global greenhouse gas emissions — he served as the United Nations special envoy for climate action and finance. She said Carney should "practise what he has preached" for years. "That requires picking a lane with regard to energy: no more flirting with fossil fuel expansion and new pipelines, which would come with staggering costs to our wallets and our planet," she said. "Instead, the new federal government must focus its attention on building a renewable-powered electricity grid as the backbone of a new economy in line with Canadian values.' Lance Mortlock, managing partner for industrials and energy at EY Canada, said it's a mixed picture. "I think Mark Carney understands the importance of leading for every Canadian," he said. "He's well equipped to navigate the economy and has led through a crisis before." On the downside, Mortlock said a minority parliament raises the spectre of "legislative gridlock" and national unity issues may arise with the stridently pro-development Alberta government. "Probably what I'm most concerned about is our growing regulatory burden and I think it continues to hold us back." Mortlock said Carney may find himself walking a tightrope. "Will he strike the right balance between unleashing the Canadian economy and remaining true to his green values?" asked Mortlock. "That remains to be seen."
Toronto Star
29-04-2025
- Business
- Toronto Star
Energy industry strikes hopeful tone after Liberal federal election win
CALGARY - The industry group representing Canada's oil and gas service contractors has laid out its top priorities for the Liberal government in Ottawa, which held onto power in Monday's federal election. The Canadian Association of Energy Contractors says both the Liberals and the Conservatives recognized the need to grow oil and gas development during the campaign.
