The Canadian Association of Energy Contractors (CAOEC) represents energy service contractors that employ tens of thousands of hard-working women and men in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities across Canada who power our nation’s energy sector. Their voices matter, their jobs matter, and their livelihoods are the backbone of this industry.
Today, we welcome the vision outlined in the federal government’s Speech from the Throne, which opens Canada’s 45th Parliament with a commitment to strengthening our energy sector. However, after a decade of neglect under the previous government — neglect that left our workers, their careers, and their families behind — CAOEC is looking for nothing less than concrete, results-driven policies that deliver for our members and the Canadian economy.
CAOEC strongly supports the establishment of the Major Projects Office to accelerate regulatory timelines for nation-building energy projects. Faster approvals mean more jobs in the field, from Western Canadian oilfields to coastal LNG hubs and offshore drilling in Atlantic Canada. We also commend the government’s “one project, one review” model in collaboration with provincial governments. This streamlined approach will reduce red tape, provide certainty, and get shovels in the ground for projects that sustain families and communities across the country.
We are particularly encouraged by the proposed expansion of the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program. This is a vital step toward ensuring First Nation communities can fully participate in and benefit from important energy projects that will create jobs and opportunities for Indigenous workers and their families. CAOEC remains committed to working with our Indigenous members and fostering partnerships that ensure these communities thrive as equal partners in Canada’s energy future.
The government’s ambition to position Canada as an energy superpower — bolstered by the development and export of oil and gas — aligns with the aspirations of our members. Canada is ready to build the oil pipelines and LNG terminals that will fuel economic growth and national prosperity. But let us be clear: our members and their workers need to see tangible results — projects breaking ground, jobs created, and communities strengthened.
For too long, our industry has faced unprecedented challenges from the federal government with proposed production caps, a convoluted Impact Assessment Act, uncompetitive carbon taxes, and restrictions on how Canadian companies can share their environmental progress. These barriers have disproportionately affected rural, remote, and Indigenous families who make a good living from the oil and gas sector and have endured a decade of uncertainty under a government that overlooked their contributions.
CAOEC stands ready to work with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government to turn words into action. But we need policies that deliver for Canadian workers, communities, and Indigenous peoples — right now. Let’s get to work.
— Mark Scholz, President & CEO, CAOEC
About CAOEC
The Canadian Association of Energy Contractors (CAOEC) represents 91 land drilling, offshore drilling, and service rig member companies on the frontlines of energy security and transformation. They operate a fleet of 372 drilling rigs and 685 service rigs in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Atlantic Canada. CAOEC’s members are varied and diverse, and include many small- and medium-sized enterprises that have been leaders in creating opportunities for young people, Indigenous communities, and middle-class workers.
An Tran – Strategic Communications Lead
Canadian Association of Energy Contractors
Phone: (403) 264-4311 ext. 118
Email: atran@caoec.ca