Governments across Canada issued 659 new well licences in March, an increase of 48 per cent from 446 a year ago, with producers boosting the permitting of oil wells in Alberta and gas wells in B.C.

The top licensee of new wells in the first quarter of 2026, including experimental wells, was Canadian Natural Resources Limited.

While many leading methane technologies are developed in Canada, the U.S. is adopting them at a far faster pace. Risk appetite and market signals have played a role, say experts.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the Strait of Hormuz was open following a ceasefire accord agreed in Lebanon, while U.S. President Donald Trump said he believed a deal to end the Iran war would come “soon,” although the timing remains unclear.

Drilling rig activity in Western Canada and the Top 10 active operators as of April 17, 2026, as reported this morning by Rig Locator.

Energy Alberta, a private-sector developer advancing the first major nuclear energy project in Alberta, has entered into a collaboration agreement with Bruce Power.

Jill McKnight, federal minister of veterans affairs and associate minister of national defence, joined Mangrove Lithium for the ribbon cutting of what was called North America's first commercial electrochemical lithium refining facility in Delta, B.C.

CES Energy Solutions Corp. has appointed Theresa Roessel to its board of directors and audit committee.

Coelacanth Energy Inc. has entered into an agreement with a syndicate of underwriters co-led by Haywood Securities Inc. and Roth Canada, Inc. as joint bookrunners.

Working gas in storage was 1.970 tcf as of April 10, 2026, according to Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates.