LABOUR MARKET
HEART LAKE
GREEN ARROW ENERGY
ENFORM
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
COMPANY PROFILE
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CANADA’S FIRST NATIONS ENERGY PUBLICATION
MARY FRANCOIS INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT FALL-2016
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CONTENTS
CANADA’S FIRST NATIONS ENERGY PUBLICATION
FALL-2016 STEVE SADDLEBACK DIRECTOR & EDITOR IN CHIEF NATIONAL ENERGY BUSINESS CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE INDIAN RESOURCE COUNCIL V STRATEGIES INC. CONCEPT, DESIGN AND LAYOUT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2015
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INDIAN RESOURCE COUNCIL OF CANADA HEART LAKE FIRST NATION COMMUNITY PROFILE
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235, 9911 CHIILA BOULEVARD TSUU T’INA NATION, ALBERTA T2W 6H6
NATIONAL ENERGY BOARD LIFECYCLE ENERGY REGULATION
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T:
403.281.8308
F:
403.281.8351
GREEN ARROW ENERGY COMMUNITY PROFILE
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W: www.irccanada.com www.elementsmagazine.ca
MIDWEST PIPELINES INC. COMMUNITY PROFILE
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MARY FRANCOIS PICHE COVER PHOTO
LABOUR MARKET PETROLMI / ENFORM
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PETROLEUM INDUSTRY OVERVIEW COURSE
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MARY FRANCOIS INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT
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Elements© is a quarterly publication distributed by the National Energy Business centre of Excellence (NEBCE) and IRC inc. Any use of content or duplication without written consent is not permitted
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AGM 2016 AUTHOR MELANIE PARSONS
Padmanabhan LLP, University of British Columbia, Forbes Bros. Ltd., and the Bank of Canada.
THE INDIAN RESOURCES COUNCIL OF CANADA (IRC) HELD ITS 19TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (A.G.M.), CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW ON DECEMBER 2 AND 3, 2015 AT THE GREY EAGLE RESORT & CASINO IN TSUUT’INA, ALBERTA. THE EVENT WAS A GREAT SUCCESS WELCOMING MORE THAN 150 CHIEFS, COUNCILLORS, INDUSTRY LEADERS AND TECHNICIANS FROM ACROSS CANADA TO GATHER IN TREATY NO. 7 TERRITORY TO DISCUSS FIRST NATIONS AND ENERGY TRANSMISSION.
Dean Manywounds, Tsuut’ina Nation Councillor, IRC Chairman, opened the two day event with the message, “My priority as Chairman of the Board is to continue providing leadership that ensures IRC is an effective, viable, and accountable association of First Nations who have an important stake in the
of Directors, I thank you for your attendance and participation at this event. Your support of the IRC and its mandates means a lot to us and it will only strengthen our resolve to continue advocating on your behalf for a greater role and meaningful participation in the energy industry.” Mr. Buffalo shared, “Our theme this year was ‘First Nations and Energy Transmission.’ The oil and gas business encompasses upstream, downstream, and midstream activities. With the slow growth and challenges facing upstream E&P activities due to the crash in oil prices, downstream and especially pipelines and Liquid Natural Gas have occupied the space. This is an opportunity again for First Nations to be a part of this development.” The IRC greeted an array of high calibre speakers from First Nations, leading energy companies and training institutions. Delegates listened to
As part of the A.G.M. and conference, the IRC partnered with 22 companies to create an exciting exhibit for delegates to visit, learn from and network with one another. The IRC would like to thank the following companies and organizations for attending the event and showcasing their hard work; as well for creating a space that welcomed new relationships and ideas for business in the future.
“We would also like to thank SAY magazine, TransAlta, Nation Talk, TD, Peace Hills Trust, WillBros, and Tsuut’ina Nation, Indian Oil and Gas, and Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada for their many years of support,” said Mr. Manywounds, “having hosted many meetings over the years, this year’s gathering was especially inspirational and motivational considering the First Nation leaders, partners and guest speakers that attended and showed their support.” The IRC listened closely and respectfully
Treaty Seven Community Futures
Royal Camp Services Ltd.
Pimee Well Servicing Ltd.
Clifton Associates
SafeTech Consulting Group
CSI Canada Safety
Chemco
Xpera/One Face Security
Indian Business Corporation
Export
Mahikan Energy Services Ltd.
SAIT
National Energy Board
Circle for Aboriginal Relations
Broker Link
Indian Oil and Gas Canada
to the voices of the conference delegates, speakers, and First Nation membership. A lot of difficult and exciting work lies ahead of the IRC, however, with the support of its members and partners, it can be done. As the IRC continues to grow, and the involvement of First Nations in the industry strengthens, events and partnerships are the key to building respectful relationships between communities and industry. By working together we can ensure a mutually beneficial future in oil and gas in Canada. Meyer Norris Penny (MNP Registration Midwest Pipeline BDC O’Chiese Energy Seven Lakes
“...THIS YEAR’S GATHERING WAS ESPECIALLY INSPIRATIONAL AND MOTIVATIONAL...”
JOSEE TOUCHETTE, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, NATIONAL ENERGY BOARD
energy sector.” Mr. Manywounds included,“I believe in strong and respectful partnerships and to this end my Board and I will regularly sit down with our counterparts in industry and Governments to discuss energy related issues and opportunities that are of benefit to all of us.” The IRC and National Energy Business Centre of Excellence will continue to provide oil and gas producing First Nations with expertise and find ways to build capacity at various stages in their involvement in the oil and gas business.
ELEMENTS
IRC President/CEO, Stephen Buffalo, thanks attendees and sponsors saying, “On behalf of our National Board
carefully crafted key messages and updates from Chief Operating Officer, MidWest Pipelines, Ken Drysdale, Indian Oil and Gas Canada Chief Executive Officer, Strater Crowfoot, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Aboriginal Relations, Alberta, Donovan Young, President, Canadian Energy Pipeline Association, Dr. Brenda Kenny, Whitecap Dakota First Nation, Chief Darcy Bear, President and Chief Executive Officer, Enform, Cameron MacGillvray, and Manager of Alberta Operations, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, David Gowland. Presentations were also heard from CN Rail, the National Energy Board, Tahltan Nation, and Eyford Macaulay Shaw & CAMERON MACGILLIVRAY, CEO, ENFORM
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HEART LAKE FIRST NATION IS SITUATED APPROXIMATELY 220 KILOMETERS FROM EDMONTON, ALBERTA. SIGNATORY TO TREATY 6, AND AN AFFILIATE OF TRIBAL CHIEFS VENTURES TRIBAL COUNCIL, MEMBERS OF HEART LAKE FIRST NATION ARE OF MOSTLY CREE LINEAGE. THERE ARE AROUND 375 MEMBERS, WITH APPROXIMATELY 190 LIVING ON RESERVE . TRADITIONALLY, PEOPLES OF HEART LAKE LIVED OFF THE LAND, HUNTING, TRAPPING, FISHING AND GATHERING FOOD AS A MEANS OF LIVING AND A WAY OF LIFE. TODAY, COMMUNITY MEMBERS DO NOT RELY ON THIS FOR SURVIVAL, THOUGH TRADITIONAL CUSTOMS ARE STILL PRACTICED.
In the heart of it all, Heart Lake First Nation is situated in close proximity to oil sands operations and as a result, has responded proactively to the opportunities in the community’s back yard. Heart Lake currently has an influx of anywhere from 16 to 20 firms, that vary in scale from small discussions to very large ones. “We have an understanding of a good partnership and what makes it fit” Tony Bagga, Consultation Director for Heart Lake First Nation, explains when discussing Heart Lakes success. “There are a lineup of companies that know the benefit of working with First Nations” Tony goes on to say. Born out of the opportunities from surrounding oil sands operations, Heart Lake First Nations Construction Limited is 100% owned and operated by the Nation. Neighboring industry partners have opportunities to seek services from Heart Lake in areas of earth works, civil and environmental engineering, paramedics and first response, camps and catering and logging. Heart Lake companies have successfully mobilized a trade show, which they bring to Calgary once a year. The mobile
(MAIN) HEART LAKE
ELEMENTS
AUTHOR TARA WHITNEY
SHOWCASING HEART LAKE FIRST NATION
(RIGHT) HEART LAKE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
IN THE HEART OF IT ALL
trade show allows for Heart Lake to show case their many different businesses and services that they can deliver on. This unique approach to information sharing and advertising has proven to be very successful due to its convenience for industry partners, given much of the economic business development arms are located in Calgary offices. “When we did this trade show, their eyes were opened” explains Tony, adding that many industry partners were unaware of the services that were offered through Heart Lake’s business operations. Tony shares that although many of the business portfolios have been provided in past to many of the companies they deal with, the trade show offers a more intimate one on one discussion about each firm.
Heart Lakes mandate is “to support the quality of life that factors a strong sense of community and a meaningful attachment to the land while realizing benefits from development”. Despite the economic environment, Heart Lake First Nation continues to explore new and innovative ways to diversify opportunities. “The name of the game with this economic climate is diversification so we are looking to expand even further” Tony explains. The community’s drive and tenacity to thrive in challenging economic conditions are to be respected.
Tony adds that an additional element to hosting the mobile trade show is that it allows for the company representatives of Heart Lake’s joint ventures to speak first handedly about services offered and share past successes, through one on one dialogue.
(ABOVE RIGHT) HEART LAKE COMMUNITY ART INSTALLATION
“And the power of our firms or joint ventures speaking for themselves. Because it’s difficult at times to represent a company as a third party. You say well these are the services
(RIGHT AND BELOW) ATTENDEES OF HEART LAKE TREATY DAYS CELEBRATION
we offer, what better way to do it [than by] bringing the actual company in house…not have another voice on their behalf because a lot can get lost in that too. A water hauling company, you can just say ‘well this is our water hauling company’ well wait a second they offer 12 or 13 other services, lets get exposure on that.” Even in the current economic times, Heart Lake has maintained strong relationships with its industry partners by continuing dialogue around ongoing partnership initiatives. Heart Lake recognizes that although opportunities aren’t as plentiful as they once were, industry is still open and interested in maintaining relationships and exploring current opportunities that do exist.
(TOP) HEART LAKE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING (MIDDLE) WELCOME SIGN TO HEART LAKE TRADITIONAL TERRITORY
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(LEFT) ATTENDEES OF HEART LAKE TREATY DAYS CELEBRATION
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“Being with the economic climate right now, there are only so many opportunities that are available. Industry partners are still receptive to having those conversations and that goes along way. Just to have those conversations knowing that those ears are open and the industry guys were there to make the time.” Tony shares. In addition to maintaining strong business relationships with industry around contract opportunities, Heart Lake First Nation has also been very successful in ensuring that industry is fulfilling its corporate responsibility of being a good neighbor both in community enhancement projects and in meeting the community’s environmental standards. The industry operating in the area have been involved in contributing towards community development initiatives such as the recently completed community centre, which serves as a venue for larger community and social gatherings as well as a host facility for training and health programs.
“Heart Lake has that mentality of not folding -lets find out where the opportunities still lie” With so many different business capabilities, Heart Lake still maintains the fabric of a strong community. The community celebrates its Treaty Days every year with the next celebration coming up on June 10th to 12th and hosts an annual community pow wow with the next one being planned for August 12 to 14th. With an amazing ability to balance business diversification, environmental stewardship and a strong community sense, it is these versatile characteristics of the community that will help it continue to thrive for future generations to come.
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NEB AND LIFECYCLE ENERGY REGULATION FACILITY LIFECYCLE NEB COMPLIANCE VERIFICATION ACTIVITIES
COMPANY’S PLANNING AND PRE-APPLICATION Information requirements (Filing Manual)
Pre-application meetings
APPLICATION ASSESSMENT AND/OR PUBLIC HEARING
ABANDONMENT
Review filings
Audits
Assess filings
SMART conditions on approval
Inspections
Inspections
SMART conditions on approval
Review post-construction monitoring reports
Incident Investigation
Inspections
Review manuals
Safety Culture Assessment*
Oil and gas pipelines under NEB jurisdiction require the Board’s approval before being built, and companies must file detailed project applications. We hold meetings with companies to establish expectations even before an application is submitted. These expectations include: lists of the Aboriginal groups contacted and consulted, how those groups were identified, and the outcomes of consultation; the detailed engineering specifications of the project; the methods used to predict the effects of the project on the environment, and so on. Public hearings (either oral or written) are held in most cases. These operate in a court-like manner. Evidence is filed and considered, and the NEB ultimately issues a written, public decision or recommendation. If a project is approved, the Board sends inspectors to the construction site to ensure that the company is building the project according to the Board’s conditions, applicable regulations, and commitments that the company made during the application process.
ELEMENTS
OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE
Assess filings
The NEB was established in 1959, with responsibility to regulate pipelines, power lines, energy development, and energy trade in the Canadian public interest. We regulate approximately 73,000 km of pipelines and 1,400 km of power lines. Although attention is often focused on the NEB’s review of project applications, we regulate over the full lifecycle of projects – from design to abandonment.
After the construction of a project is complete, the Board uses tools like audits, inspections, compliance meetings, and field exercises to ensure that companies are operating safely and using strong management systems to ensure continued vigilance and risk prevention. Companies are held accountable for operating in a manner that is safe, protects the environment, and pro–actively manages any risks that could lead to an incident. The Board has a range of enforcement tools available to ensure company compliance if required. PAGE 10
CONSTRUCTION AND POST CONSTRUCTION
MEET. PLAY. TASTE. ESCAPE.
Emergency exercises
NEB ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES *
1.844.719.8777 | greyeagleresortandcasino.ca Once a pipeline is no longer needed, the NEB requires a company to submit an application for abandonment. This starts an assessment process to determine the conditions that must be met in order for the project to be safely taken out of service. This lifecycle mandate allows us to focus on doing the right things – from setting conditions to conducting compliance and enforcement activities - at the right time in a project’s lifecycle. It gives us continuity in overseeing requirement commitments, from approvals through operations. We keep track of those commitments and how they are being fulfilled all the way through a project. Lifecycle regulation gives us the opportunity to both share information about how we regulate and how companies perform on key outcomes like safety and environmental protection over the long term. It gives us the opportunity to engage with those who have expertise to help us improve our regulation – people like regional First Responders, who can help us strengthen Emergency Response planning, or First Nations who can share insight and guidance on traditional land use and environmental management. The NEB recognizes that we need to continually improve our processes to keep pace with the changing environment we operate in. We know that in order to do this, we must reach out to those who are impacted by the projects we regulate to tell us how. The NEB has committed to expanding its public engagement with Canadians and with Indigenous communities, through the entire lifecycle of projects. We believe that by continually incorporating what we learn into our processes, we will drive stronger, positive outcomes in energy regulation.
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GREEN ARROW ENERGY
AUTHOR MELANIE PARSONS
ELEMENTS
IT MAKES FOR AN EXCITING TIME FORWARD AS FIRST NATIONS EXPLORE DEEPER INTO OPPORTUNITIES RELATED TO RENEWABLE ENERGY AND MAKE THE TRANSITION INTO THIS WAY OF BUSINESS AND LIFE. GREEN ARROW ENERGY, PROUDLY OWNED AND OPERATED BY MONTANA FIRST NATION, IS CANADA’S FIRST ABORIGINAL RENEWABLE ENERGY CORPORATION. THEY ARE IN THE BUSINESS OF GENERATING AND SELLING CLEAN ENERGY TO CREATE LONG-TERM SAVINGS FOR THEIR NATION AND
MEMBERS AND OTHER FIRST NATIONS IN ALBERTA. “OUR LONG TERM GOAL IS TO BECOME AN ENERGY HUB SELLING RENEWABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS TO ALL FIRST NATIONS,” SAYS BARRY WHEATON, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, “ PASSING THE SOLAR TORCH FROM COMMUNITY TO COMMUNITY. SOLAR ENERGY IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL FIRST NATIONS ACROSS CANADA.” RENEWABLE ENERGY, THROUGH GREEN ARROW ENERGY, HAS BROUGHT BACK HOPE INTO FIRST NATIONS CONVERSATIONS AND COMMUNITIES FOR A MORE EQUITABLE PLACE IN SOCIETY.
Montana’s Chief and Council are progressive in their approach to doing business for the nation. Green Arrow Energy is a perfect example that demonstrates how opting for cleaner energy is not only environmentally responsible, but creates savings and jobs for nation members. Mr. Wheaton explains, “Sustainability and self reliance were key factors in the development of this corporation and the strategic plan that guides the work we do.”
Green Arrow Energy has filled a number of Montana’s economic needs.
By creating their own corporation, generating their own clean energy, and hiring their own members, they are developing and keeping the resources in the community to be utilized for other important needs. The National Energy Board has given an environmental excellence award to Green Arrow Energy for a housing project they worked on. The project included four homes that ran off of only 2.5 kilowatts of energy that was generated by Green Arrow Energy. It all started with the question of: “What would no or reduced power bills mean to a homeowner and/or nation member? If a household can save roughly $750.00 a year on electricity they can then put that money towards other things essentially improving their quality of life,” says Mr. Wheaton. Building capacity within the community is of great importance to the leadership and approval of projects led by the company. Green Arrow Energy has found a way to ensure the work they do is up to industry standards by contracting highly skilled electricians and engineers and by hiring band members. A 12-week training program, available exclusively to community members, assists the company in ensuring employees are knowledgeable about renewable energy and keeps everyone moving forward with projects. An upcoming project will possibly create eight to ten jobs for a full construction season that will only be open to nation members. “We are
challenging the lack of capacity within our community by doing research, educating ourselves about renewable energy and the various ways in which we can get involved. We aren’t just talking we are leading by action,“ proudly exclaimed Mr. Wheaton. In their research, Green Arrow Energy has found that many countries have utilized solar energy like the United States of America (California), Germany, and China powering up to 90 per cent of their electricity needs. In Canada, Ontario is a leading producer of solar energy programs. Mr. Wheaton states that, “We have to question our dependency on fossil fuels and look into renewable energy like solar energy.” Green Arrow Energy is proudest of its latest project - the Solar Water Plant – a $65, 000.00 investment, 20-kilowatt project that is projected to save Montana First Nations upwards of $100, 000.00 over a period of 25 years. It is also one of the first solar water plants in Canada. By generating power from an older plant they will maximise efficiencies and save the nation an additional $19, 000.00 in power per year. Other exciting projects include a 108 Kilowatt project involving Alexander First Nation and their school. The project projects operational savings of $120, 000.00 a year for the school. It will be, “Yet another example of how savings can improve the quality of a nation and their students. With savings like this the Principal could hire another
Teacher Assistant.” says Mr. Wheaton. Green Arrow Energy will be replacing older lighting with LED lights and solar energy. Initially this will be costly. In the long term however, this will save the nation thousands of dollars. Why choose solar powered energy? Because it is clean, requires less use of land and it is renewable. Solar power requires hardly any maintenance and has no moving parts explains Mr. Wheaton. By sharing our stories and hosting Solar Summits in the future, we can educate other communities on how to build their own renewable energy and create employment. “First Nations have a large advantage. They have the land, the people to work, and an economic need for this,” says Mr. Wheaton. Green Arrow Energy is helping to facilitate the “passing of the solar torch.” They are a reliable option if you are considering your options in renewable energy and are interested in doing feasibility studies and developing the preliminary design for micro generator projects. By becoming leaders in First Nation renewable energy, they project the generation of business for years to come. “Essentially we are growing and selling electricity,” explains Mr. Wheaton, “It all started with a small generator and Montana’s leadership believing in my vision.” To learn more about Green Arrow Energy visit www.mygreenarrow.com.
MONTANA FIRST NATION SIGN
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SOLAR RUN WATER PLANT ON MONTANA FIRST NATION
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“WE FOCUS ON BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS FOLLOWED BY SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS”
MIDWEST PIPELINES INC. ELEMENTS
AUTHOR INDIAN RESOURCE COUNCIL
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ESTABLISHED IN 1987, MIDWEST PIPELINES INC. PRIDES ITSELF ON ITS RECORD OF BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS AND SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS. A LEADING INDUSTRY CONTRACTOR, MIDWEST’S MISSION IS “TO BECOME THE CONTRACTOR OF CHOICE FOR OUR STAFF AND CLIENTS; TO CONTINUOUSLY IMPROVE THROUGH PROGRAMS OF TRAINING AND INNOVATION AND TO BECOME THE CONTRACTOR THE PUBLIC AND PROJECT STAKEHOLDER’S DEMAND AND RESPECT.” A SPECIALIST IN PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN CANADA, MIDWEST’S GOAL IS ZERO REWORK. THE COMPANY TAKES THE TIME TO GET THE JOB DONE RIGHT THE FIRST TIME, EVERY TIME.
Midwest Pipelines Inc. offers project management, mainline construction and a host of other services. Midwest describes itself as “Leaders in Pipeline Technology” with the capability to provide complete pipeline construction services for all diameters of pipe ranging from 6” to 54” diameter. Midwest Pipelines Inc.’s mandate is to be recognized as not only an industry leader in pipeline construction, but to be an industry leader in health and safety performance as well as environmental protection. By believing that all incidents are preventable, Midwest will strive to achieve excellence in safety, loss control and environmental protection by leading with strong management, implementing strategic planning and providing continuous education and
training. Midwest’s goal is to maintain an injury and accident free workplace. When asked what sets Midwest apart Chief Operating Officer, Ken Drysdale says, “We focus on building relationships followed by successful projects”. Drysdale recalls the success he has experienced working with First Nations communities, for example on a past project around Janvier, Alberta. “We had crews that were made up of 50% First Nations workers from the community and they were some of the best crews I’ve ever had the opportunity to work with”. Drysdale says that while he is proud of this figure, he notes that when he is asked what his target for employing
First Nations members from the communities they work in he says simply: “we target 100%”. “Our approach to working with First Nations is simple: they won’t meet with a delegated individual; the core of their group will meet with the core of ours they meet with us” states Drysdale. This approach has been in place since day one and continues to this day. Midwest’s approach has been a success in dealing not only with communities but also with partners and all those in and around their projects.
constructed yard in Spruce Grove. For more information on Midwest Pipelines Inc. please visit their website at www.midwestpipelines.com
Midwest Pipeline Inc. has 3 main offices in Alberta - Calgary (Corporate Office), Edmonton (Operational Office), and a newly PAGE 15
LABOUR MARKET OUTLOOK
2016 to 2020 for Canada’s Oil and Gas Industry NEWS RELEASE MODEST EMPLOYMENT RECOVERY IN CANADA’S OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY FORECASTED BETWEEN 2017 AND 2020 CALGARY – CANADA’S OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY COULD EXPECT TO SEE SOME MODEST RECOVERY BETWEEN 2017 AND 2020 DUE TO RENEWED INDUSTRY ACTIVITY AND THE NEED TO REPLACE RETIRING WORKERS, ACCORDING TO THE LABOUR MARKET OUTLOOK 2016 TO 2020 FOR CANADA’S OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY REPORT, RELEASED TODAY BY PETROLMI, A DIVISION OF ENFORM.
“The industry underwent significant job losses in 2015 due to the rapid decline in oil prices, and that trend is continuing in 2016,” says Enform’s Carol Howes, Vice President of Communications and PetroLMI. “Based on assumptions that oil prices will start to rise in 2017, some rehiring is expected to begin as capital investment resumes and there is a need to fill positions left vacant by retiring baby boomers.” In 2016, industry employment is expected to contract by up to 24,400 jobs as prices remain low and spending cuts continue. Additionally, companies are not expected to fill positions left vacant by retirees in 2016. Instead, those vacated positions are more likely to be used as a way to
assuming historical retirements remain the same. In a higher scenario, oil prices increase to the US$60–$80/bbl range by 2020 and net hiring reaches 55,305 jobs. This report is accompanied by the Labour Demand Outlook 2016 to 2020 for Saskatchewan’s Oil and Gas Industry and Exploring LNG in Canada: Workforce Requirements for Developing and Sustaining Canada’s Liquefied Natural Gas Sector.
Meanwhile, with proposed pipeline project approvals remaining elusive, companies in that sector also restructured and laid off employees. Some pipeline companies may make further cuts to their workforce. However, the overall employment outlook to 2020 for the sector is stable, provided projects currently planned are not deferred or cancelled.
“It’s important to note that, while the industry will regain jobs from 2017 to 2020, the oil price, capital investment “Every energy-producing region in Canada has been and employment in the industry as a whole will not recover substantially impacted by the decrease in oil and gas to 2014 levels,” cautions Cameron MacGillivray, President employment,” says Howes. “But, as a result of the unique and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Enform. “That being challenges and opportunities in each of these regions and said, the loss of talent to other industries in Canada may sectors, the impact of the downturn – and, any ramp up have a significant impact on the oil and gas industry’s ability once prices do rise – is somewhat different.” to attract and retain a skilled labour force once activity Regionally, Alberta, the hub of Canada’s oil and gas industry, does ramp up.” has been the most impacted by the downturn, witnessing “The oil and gas industry will need to continue to find the largest drop in employment. Companies are expected ways to attract the best and brightest Canada has to offer to continue to find opportunities to reduce costs across to maintain its competitiveness in the new cost-driven, their operations in Alberta and the rest of Canada in technology-seeking environment we find ourselves in,” order to survive the downturn. Investing in innovation and adds Howes. technology to drive efficiencies and productivity will be key to increasing profitability in the future, says the report. The Labour Market Outlook 2016 to 2020 for Canada’s Oil and Gas Industry report will be updated towards the end of In oil-based Saskatchewan, a positive business climate the year to reflect 2016 changes to the oil and gas industry’s and collaborative relationship between government and spending and production assumptions. industry is expected to position the province well to attract investment once prices do begin to rise. In PetroLMI’s lower PetroLMI’s labour market reports are available, for free, at and higher scenario, by 2020, Saskatchewan’s net hiring is careersinoilandgas.com. projected to reach 3,120 and 3,785, respectively. The reports are funded by the Government of Canada’s Assuming one large liquefied natural gas (LNG) project Sectorial Initiatives Program, the Canadian Association proceeds in British Columbia (B.C.) and uses gas produced of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) and the Government of in the province, employment in B.C. is projected to fare Saskatchewan.
“BASED ON ASSUMPTIONS THAT OIL PRICES WILL START TO RISE IN 2017, SOME REHIRING IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN...” reduce workforce numbers and further reduce costs during this period of continued low oil prices.
ELEMENTS
The Labour Market Outlook 2016 to 2020 for Canada’s Oil and Gas Industry provides an overview of workforce requirements by sector, including conventional exploration and production (E&P), oil and gas services, oil sands and pipelines, as well as by key oil and gas operating regions. The report provides a range of labour market projections for the industry based on two scenarios, which include assumptions for oil prices, capital and operating expenditures, and industry activity. In a lower scenario, oil prices remain below US$60 per barrel (/bbl) to 2020 and net hiring requirements* for the industry reach 46,435 jobs, PAGE 16
better than Canada’s other key oil and gas operating regions, The Petroleum Labour Market Information (PetroLMI) recovering to near 2014 levels. Net hiring in B.C. during Division of Enform (formerly the Petroleum Human Resources Council) is a leading resource for labour market the forecast period is projected to reach 3,005 in the lower information and trends in the Canadian petroleum industry. scenario and 3,690 in the higher scenario. PetroLMI specializes in providing petroleum labour market The oil and gas services sector employs the largest workforce data, analysis and insights, as well as occupation profiles in the industry and, out of all the sectors, has been the most and other resources for workforce and career planning. impacted by low oil prices. The conventional exploration and production (E&P) and oil sands sectors were also unable to hold on to workers. However, the oil sands sector is For all media inquiries: expected to see some job growth through the forecast Caileigh Rhind period due to the ongoing construction of late-stage Email: caileigh.rhind@enform.ca projects. Phone: 403.516.8127 * SUM OF JOB OPENINGS CREATED DUE TO INDUSTRY ACTIVITY PLUS AGE-RELATED ATTRITION.
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O’Chiese Business & Investment Centre
How we do it O’Chiese
TRUCKING DIVISION
The O’Chiese Nation owns and operates the following fluid hauling trucks: • Tanker with tandem tri-axel trailer • “Body jobs”:
Who we are The O’Chiese Trucking Division is owned and operated by O’Chiese Contracting LP and specializes in fluid hauling for the oil and gas industry.
What we do
- 23 m3 tank with 23 m3 tri-axel pup - 2015 Western Star tri-axel, 23 m3 sour-sealed stainless steel tank • We subcontract a number of tri-drive tractors with 46m3 tandem sour-sealed tankers. O’Chiese Trucking has floater truck capability – floater tires allow us to get a truck into locations other trucks can’t reach due to boggy or muddy ground – so we can operate in almost any situation.
Fluid hauling is a highly specialized business, which is why all our drivers have their Class 1 license with training in fluid hauling. With an eye to building future capacity all drivers are accompanied by swampers – this is part of their training prior to taking on their own rigs. O’Chiese Trucking offers year ’round pickup of frac water, flowback and production fluids, delivering them safely to main batteries or to sanctioned disposal facilities.
We pride ourselves in being on time, reliable and consistent in all that we do.
Our customers can expect top-quality service from experienced drivers – we pride ourselves in being on time, reliable and consistent in all we do.
For more information, please call: 1-844-OBC-@OFN (622-2636), ext. 2
PETROLEUM INDUSTRY OVERVIEW COURSE
ELEMENTS
The National Energy Business Centre of Excellence (NEBCE) held the Petroleum Industry Overview in Calgary and Nisku, Alberta in 2015/16. Participants of the program attended from Treaty 6, 7 & 8 to learn more about Exploration, Land regulations, Regulatory environment, Drilling, Well evaluation and completions, Oil and Gas production, Workovers, Unconventional Oil and Gas, Pipelines, Processing, Marketing and more. The program included a site tour comprised of a drilling rig, gas facility and processing plant. Please contact the NEBCE office at 403-281-8308 if you or your community are interested in finding out more information on the program or a course offering near you.
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PETROLUEM INDUSTRY OVERVIEW COURSE 2016
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INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT:
Mary Francois Piche AUTHOR MELANIE PARSONS MARY FRANCOIS PICHE, DAUGHTER OF THE LATE SOLOMAN PICHE AND VICTORIA PICHE, IS THE OLDEST OF 13 SIBLINGS. AS A MEMBER AND LONG TIME INHABITANT OF COLD LAKE FIRST NATION, SOME OF HER EARLIEST MEMORIES INCLUDE LIVING OFF THE LAND AND FOLLOWING HER GRANDMOTHER PICKING BERRIES AND LEARNING ABOUT LOCAL WILDLIFE. SHE HAS SINCE BUILT AN EXCITING CAREER BASED ON HER LOVE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND GROWING TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE.
When Mary was 16 years old she left Blue Quills Residential School in St. Paul, Alberta. She began working for a family business involved in environmental studies. She recalls learning many things about the local wildlife and vegetation and seasons. At age 20, Mary met her husband and began building her family. She had three children of her own and took an opportunity to expand her family by adopting another child.
In the early 1980’s, Mary returned to her work on the reserve in environmental development working for Imperial Oil. Her role was to analyze data and ensure the company’s integrity was intact while working with Cold Lake First Nation. At this time she strived to live off the land. She did similar work for Cenovus and Canadian Natural Resources Limited. She worked tirelessly for years making sure that environment and traditional lands were included in the consultation process between Industry and first nations. Eventually she became a representative for Cold Lake First Nation working with the Chief and Council advising on environmental matters. Mary became Chief of her reserve in the early 90s, and was one of the first leaders involved in issues affecting Black Lake. Her work involved teaching Industry how to properly consult community leaders and Elders. She taught about protocols, safe land development and creating awareness of the local wildlife. Mary remembers sitting through many difficult negotiations while also witnessing the creation of a foundation and working relationship between First Nations and Industry. While reminiscing about her experiences over the years, Mary stated, “My work was never dull.” Having been a part of seismic explorations in Alberta, she became an advisor while on the operations. Some of her experiences included locating eagle nests and teaching people how to respect the habitat and not disturbing the area. Her teachings also included the identification of animal and plant species, identifying animal tracks, soil-types and waterways. While working for Parks and Recreation she has learned much and stayed youthful considering she is now in her 70s. She laughs, “I want to teach the younger generations. Not too many people my age are out in the fields. I am healthy like a rabbit who lives in the bush and want to take advantage of that.”
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Mary continues to teach her traditional knowledge about the seasons, aquatic and wildlife and local vegetation. The knowledge given to Mary by her grandparents and work experience is something she values and does not keep to herself. One of her greatest joys is in sharing the knowledge she can offer about traditional plants and medicines with all people. Staying active and healthy has led to her ongoing involvement in environmental development over the past 50 years. When asked what message she would like to send to young people, Mary says “Go get your education, it is the key to unlocking your future”.
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WHILE REMNISCING ABOUT HER EXPERIENCES OVER THE YEARS, MARY STATED,“MY WORK WAS NEVER DULL.” PAGE 23