In Canada we have the requirement that the drilling company certify they have the capability to drill a relief well before the end of the current drilling seaso

In Canada we have the requirement that the drilling company certify they have the capability to drill a relief well before the end of the current drilling season (and the ocean freezes over). They do not actually have to drill such a well, just promise that they can if they have to. Misunderstanding that rule may have lead to the confusion on reddit.