Helium is emerging as a promising opportunity for western Canadian drilling contractors, but industry groups say unequal tax treatment is limiting investment in the sector.

Exploration work by helium startups in Western Canada has been tapering off and the rate of production growth slowing over the past year, with one company (Royal Helium) going bankrupt, another private (Global Helium), and others appearing to be in financial distress.

While the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro following U.S. airstrikes marks a seismic geopolitical development, early reports suggest that the global oil market will largely take the move in its stride.

Canadian crude oil exports by rail fell in October 2025, continuing an up and down year.

Rebecca Schulz, who served as minister of environment and protected areas since 2023, has stepped down.

AltaGas Ltd. has reached a new five-year labour agreement with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 523B at the Ridley Island Propane Export Terminal (RIPET).

International Petroleum Corporation began first steam injection at the Blackrod Phase 1 project on Dec. 20, 2025.

Kelt Exploration Ltd. laid out a capital plan of $355.0 million for 2026 and is forecasting to generate $355.0 million in adjusted funds from operations in 2026.

Logan Energy Corp.’s board of directors has approved a 2026 capital expenditure budget of $140–$150 million which is expected to deliver production between 15,000 to 16,000 boe/d.

For 2026, Spartan Delta Corp. intends to deploy a capital program of $410–$470 million, delivering annualized production of 50,000 to 52,000 boe/d (44 per cent liquids), a 28 per cent increase in production and an 89 per cent increase in crude oil and condensate production from midpoint 2025 guidance.

Spartan Delta Corp. announced the retirement of Randy Berg, vice-president, land and stakeholder relations, effective Feb. 28, 2026.

Keyera Corp. has appointed Renee Zemljak to its board of directors.

Saturn Oil & Gas Inc. has completed a vertical short-form amalgamation with two wholly-owned subsidiaries, 1777241 Alberta Ltd. (formerly CapitalEnergy Corporation) and Clearview Resources Ltd.

Questerre Energy Corporation has closed the acquisition of Red Leaf Resources Inc. through the exchange of Red Leaf common shares for Class “A” common voting shares.

Occidental Petroleum Corporation has completed the sale of its chemical business, OxyChem, to Berkshire Hathaway for $9.7 billion in cash, subject to customary purchase price adjustments.

Phillips 66 has agreed to acquire Lindsey Oil Refinery assets and associated infrastructure pending completion subject to satisfaction of closing conditions, including customary regulatory clearances.