Saskatchewan’s oil ambitions are front and centre as the Williston Basin Petroleum Conference returns to Regina from April 28 to April 30.
Industry leaders, geologists, and politicians packed the sold-out show, eager to swap ideas on getting more crude oil from the province and pump up the economy.
Premier Scott Moe is scheduled for a fireside chat on energy development, while Energy and Resources Minister Colleen Young joins a panel of executives.
Young said higher output means stronger paycheques and more provincial revenue.
“Growing our oil sector will create jobs, bring in greater spending, and open doors across Saskatchewan,” Young told delegates, adding the province aims to hit 600,000 barrels a day by 2030.
Now in its fourth decade, the conference alternates between Regina and Bismarck, North Dakota.
This year’s program includes a packed Don Kent Core Workshop, where the Saskatchewan Geological Survey is rolling out fresh data on promising plays.
Petroleum Technology Research Centre (PTRC) Chief Executive Ran Narayanasamy called the gathering the “go-to place” for breakthrough ideas.
The PTRC will cap the week with a May 1 session on enhanced recovery methods that promise even bigger returns.
Oil already drives a significant amount of Saskatchewan’s economy.
The sector supported more than 26,000 jobs last year and generated $13.5 billion in output.
A Fraser Institute survey ranked the province first in Canada and third in North America for energy competitiveness, citing steady rules, low compliance costs, and deep geological data.
All factors that keep investment dollars flowing into Saskatchewan.