2016 Revised Q4 Forecast

For Immediate Release: September 7, 2016

The Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors (CAODC) announces its revised 2016 Q4 Drilling Forecast:

• Projected 2016 wells drilled: 3,562 – a decrease of 25% from original forecast (4,728)
• Projected operating days: 40,252 – a decrease of 28% from original forecast (56,260)
• Projected rig count in Q4: 140 – a decrease of 31% from original forecast (204)
• Rig fleet to contract by 87 rigs (758 drilling rigs to 671 drilling rigs)
• 69% decrease in employment from 2014 levels (-34,560 jobs)


In its latest drilling activity update, CAODC draws attention to the difficult challenges facing the oil and gas industry. CAODC President, Mark Scholz, emphasizes the depth of the current downturn, “The oil and gas services industry is facing the most difficult economic time in a generation. In fact, 2016 will be the worst year in our recorded drilling activity history (1977).”

CAODC is concerned about government fiscal and regulatory policies making a bad situation worse. “The introduction of new carbon taxes and higher corporate taxes in Alberta, compounded with federal delays on new pipelines and LNG approvals, are creating significant investment uncertainty in Canada. Although government does not have control over the price of oil, it has influence in ensuring Canada is an investment destination of choice once the industry recovers,” says Scholz.

By the end of the year, we will know the fate of a number of critical pipeline projects and whether LNG exports will become a reality in British Columbia. The ability to export Canada’s resources has a dramatic impact on our national economy. “If the federal government is serious about strengthening the middle class and creating long-term employment opportunities for Canadians, it needs to approve these projects,” concludes Scholz.

CAODC will be releasing its 2017 Forecast on November 22, 2016.

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The Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors (CAODC) represents Canada’s drilling and service rig industry.

For more information, contact:

John Bayko
Vice President, Communications

Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors
Suite 2050, 717-7 Avenue SW Calgary, AB T2P 0Z3
Phone: 403 264 4311 ext. 120
Email: jbayko@caodc.ca