Energy sector growth uncertainty over potential Trump tariffs [Video]

Canada’s oil and gas well drilling sector is poised to employ more people next year than it has in a decade, but the job growth could be derailed if president-elect Donald Trump makes good on his tariffs threat.

The Canadian Association of Energy Contractors (CAOEC) — which represents drilling and service rig companies across Western Canada, as well as offshore drilling rigs in Atlantic Canada — on Friday said Trump’s recent threat of 25-per-cent tariffs across the board on goods coming into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico should be taken “very seriously.”

CAOEC president and CEO Mark Scholz said while his organization hasn’t formally crunched the numbers, punitive tariffs would be a blow to the sector.

“I think what we do know is that there would be some impact on jobs,” Scholz told reporters at an event in Calgary.

“So let’s set politics aside, let’s get to work because …