The Canadian active rig count slipped to 137 as of April 24, down two from the prior week's 139 and extending a near-uninterrupted eight-week decline from 160 in late March as spring breakup conditions tighten access across the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin. Spuds totalled 81 for the week ending April 26, a sharp 25-well drop from 106 the prior week, reflecting the seasonal deceleration in drilling activity driven by road bans and softening ground conditions. New well licences issued came in at 93, up five from the previous week's 88, suggesting operators are positioning activity for a post-breakup recovery in May and June. On a year-to-date basis, spuds stand at 3,559 compared with 4,278 over the same period last year, a deficit of 16.8% that underscores the broader capital discipline and cost-environment caution shaping 2026 programs. Strathcona Resources Ltd. led weekly spud activity with 17 wells, followed by Teine Energy Ltd. with 12 and Headwater Exploration Inc. with approximately 10 combined across reported entries.