Precision Drilling Corp., whose operations extend across Canada, the Lower 48 and overseas, is running more rigs today than in the pre-pandemic days of 2019, with activations now underway, according to CEO Kevin Neveu.

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Speaking to investors during the 2Q2021 conference call, Neveu said the Calgary-based oilfield services giant delivered higher-than-expected revenue during 2Q2021. 

In Canada, second quarter activity was “up three-fold from 2020 levels, and the strength of the market continues to surprise to the upside,” Neveu said. “Currently, we are running 52 rigs, well above both our 2019 pre-pandemic levels, and in line with our 2021 first quarter activity peak. We expect to activate several more rigs over the coming weeks.”

So good is business in Canada that total...