B.C. oil, gas industry to grow 20% in 2006

British Columbia’s booming oil and gas industry will grow an estimated 20 per cent in 2006 as activity across Canada reaches record levels, a new industry survey suggests.

The Petroleum Services Association of Canada’s drilling forecast for 2006 says the industry will grow six per cent next year, “the result of continued strong commodity prices and a growing emphasis on natural gas from coal.”