Canadian drilling activity slowed sharply on April 20, with just 7 spuds recorded — roughly 30% of the 30-day average of 23.2 per day and a steep drop from 20 spuds the previous day. Weekly volume stands at 7 against last week's 109, though the comparison is distorted by the tail end of a full work week versus a single Monday reading. Canadian Natural Resources Limited and Headwater Exploration Inc. led operator activity with two wells each. Year-to-date spuds of 3,559 trail the prior-year pace of 4,124 by 13.7%, a gap that has persisted through the first quarter.