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By Tanner Smith

Provincial Government

Removing barriers for Alberta’s Oil Rigs

Jun 5, 2025 | 11:15 AM

Alberta’s government is cutting red tape to help service rig operators spend more time working in the field, not waiting at inspection sites.

An oilfield service rig is a mobile platform equipped with specialized oilfield equipment, designed to move from site to site for well servicing. These rigs travel in convoys that include essential support vehicles like a carrier, pump truck, doghouse, equipment truck, and crew vehicles—each critical to completing the job safely and efficiently.

Until this agreement was signed, these convoys had to stop at every Vehicle Inspection Station they passed. Now, with a new Memorandum of Agreement between Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors and the Canadian Association of Energy Contractors (CAOEC), these rigs can bypass repeated stops and Vehicle Inspection Stations. CAOEC members have significant training protocols and a high compliance rate with current regulations.

“This change is about common sense. It cuts red tape, keeps our rigs moving, and lets the energy service sector focus on what they do best, driving growth, creating jobs, and supporting responsible energy development across Alberta.”

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Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors.

“Alberta’s priority is to get our reserves out of the ground sooner, to drive royalties, taxes, jobs and wealth creation. This change will help us get there without endangering the safety of Albertans in responsible resource development.”

Brian Jean, Minister of Energy and Minerals

“The Alberta government listens to our needs and demonstrates a truly action-oriented approach, strengthening Alberta’s energy sector and supporting our hardworking crews every step of the way. Integrating our members into the Drivewyze preclear program is a great example of a government showing strong leadership by reducing red tape and creating efficiencies wherever possible.”

Mark A. Scholz, President & CEO CAOEC

CAOEC members will now be integrated within the government’s Drivewyze preclear program that allows approved CAOEC members to bypass select weigh stations. Members who subscribe to Drivewyze and meet safety benchmarks will be exempt from routine stops at Vehicle Inspection Stations, allowing them to save time and fuel while improving efficiency.

Key Facts:

• The CAOEC represents Canada’s energy service contractors, including oilwell drilling and service rig operators.
• Drivewyze is a pre-clearance program that allows commercial vehicles with strong safety records to bypass Alberta’s Vehicle Inspection Stations.
• The agreement serves as a model for potential alignment with Saskatchewan and Manitoba.