This Week in Oil & Gas — Ottawa (#5, 2026)
Hodgson to address Canada’s energy outlook; Senate committee assesses NL offshore petroleum and fisheries; StatsCan releases new engineering sector data; Carbon plan and pipeline deadlines discussed in Calgary.
This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning oil and gas production, wells, drilling, petroleum and fuels refining, pipelines, LNG, hydrocarbons, and all Landman fans. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.
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Dates: 2026-02-08 to 2026-02-14
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🏛️ This Week's Parliamentary Calendar
• 🇨🇦 Federal Government News
• 🗺️ Provincial Government News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Parliamentary Calendar
There are no scheduled committee meetings this week.
Federal Government News
Minister Hodgson to Deliver Keynote on National Energy Outlook in Calgary
On February 13, 2026, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson was scheduled to deliver a keynote address in Calgary hosted by the Financial Post and Calgary Economic Development. The session, set for 10:30 a.m. MT, will include a fireside conversation with Financial Post Western Bureau Chief Reid Southwick. Accredited media have been invited to pre-register for this event, and participation details were disseminated through official channels. The announcement has drawn attention due to its timing amid ongoing policy debates and project deadlines affecting the Canadian oil and gas sector. Further details are available through official Natural Resources Canada channels.
Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada’s Carbon Plan Draws Attention at Calgary Address
Minister Tim Hodgson discussed Canada’s strategy on carbon reduction during his keynote in Calgary, stating that the national carbon plan may assist the oil and gas sector in future market positioning. The remarks, delivered on February 13, 2026, addressed business leaders and media, linking the evolving regulatory framework with ongoing sector challenges and export objectives. Hodgson commented on anticipated outcomes, including the intersection of emissions regulation and competitiveness. Industry response centered on project timelines and expectations underlying new infrastructure and carbon management projects.
Sources: financialpost.com
Pipeline Project Risks Addressed by Enbridge
Enbridge informed stakeholders that it is unwilling to bear additional development risk for an Alberta pipeline project, according to an interview with company executives published on February 13, 2026. This stance is attributed to regulatory and cost-related uncertainties, driving the company's current approach to greenfield expansion. The statement follows discussions with the Alberta government and reaffirms the company’s position on capital allocation for new pipelines.
Sources: www.theglobeandmail.com
Canadian Engineering Services Revenue Posts 6.5% Annual Growth
Statistics Canada data published for 2024 indicates a 6.5% rise in operating revenue for the engineering services sector, reaching $46.8 billion. Growth in this segment represents a moderated trend compared to two prior years, where gains reached nearly 10% and 12% respectively. The sector's ongoing expansion is reflected in continued demand for technical and advisory services by upstream oil and gas operators. Market data are available via new statistical releases.
Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca
New Data Set: Rural Energy Employment and Sectoral Shifts
Statistics Canada unveiled an interactive dashboard offering January 2026 data on rural Canadian employment by industry. The release provides insight on labor dynamics and sector composition, relevant for oilfield operations and related services in rural regions. Stakeholders can access this dashboard for tailored analytics supporting operational planning and regional workforce assessment.
Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca
Research and Development Spending by Private Non-Profits Now Available
Newly released Statistics Canada figures detail research and development expenditures for 2024, with projections through 2025 and 2026, for Canadian private non-profit organizations. The data cover R&D spending, innovation activities, and technology payments, which may intersect with industry initiatives related to energy transition, methane reduction, or applied hydrocarbon research.
Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca
Provincial Government News
Alberta Announces $28 Million for Innovative Energy and Environmental Projects
On February 12, Alberta announced a $28 million investment in six projects under the TIER program to boost energy production and reduce environmental impact, including advances in carbon capture, RNG from farm waste, pipeline safety, and remediation technologies.
Sources: www.alberta.ca
Transport Notice: Oversized Refinery Vessel to Move from Edmonton to Fort Saskatchewan
A 594,720-kg pressure vessel supporting fuel conversion will be transported from Edmonton to Fort Saskatchewan starting February 17; highway users are advised to plan for delays as the superload travels at reduced speed along its published route.
Sources: www.alberta.ca
Government Consultations
Fording River Extension Project – Public Comment Period
The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada is soliciting public comments through February 15, 2026, regarding the draft guidelines for the Fording River Extension (metallurgical coal) project in British Columbia.
Sources: iaac-aeic.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week
- Shell needs big discovery or deals as oil, gas reserves dwindle: Overview of reserve shortfalls for a major global operator.
- Canada's Carbon Plan Will Help Oil Patch in Future, Energy Minister Says: Statement on regulatory pathways and sector adaptation.
- Opinion: Ottawa cannot keep giving mixed signals to Canada’s energy sector: Industry commentary on federal energy policy signals.
- Opinion | It’s a pivotal moment for one of Canada’s critical industries. Mark Carney is meeting it: Discussion of industry leadership and transition.
- Can More Drilling Revive the UK's Oil Capital? Doubts Run Deep: International context on the sustainability of upstream expansion.