Is It Really Big Oil, or Is It Half A Million Canadians?

What comes to mind when you think of “big oil”?

Do you think of your friends? Your family?

Do you think of your fellow Canadians?

Many believe that the oil and gas sector is all about money and car fuel. But it is about much more than that.

The sector provides Canadian families with enormous economic opportunities. Half a million Canadians are employed in the industry.

They are not just statistics; they are individuals with dreams, aspirations, and families to support. The oil and gas sector has been a cornerstone of Canada’s economy, offering stability and prosperity to countless households across the nation.

The half a million Canadians employed in the industry are not only earning a livelihood; they are contributing to the country’s economic growth and energy security.

“Oil and gas, including extraction and support activities, petroleum refining, pipeline transportation and natural gas distribution, account for 7.5% of national GDP,” according to a statistical overview by the Ivey Business School.

The hard-working individuals who contribute to the development of our nation can be found performing various roles, from being engineers and technicians to administrative staff and field workers.

They are the backbone of an industry that powers homes, fuels transportation, and supports many other essential sectors.

Not only that, but did you know that Indigenous peoples make more on average in the energy sector than in any other sector?

According to the Indigenous Resource Network (IRN), the average salary of an Indigenous person in the oil and gas industry is $140,400 per year, while the average salary in all industries is $51,120 per year.

That’s three times more than in other sectors!

One aspect that often goes unnoticed is the level of expertise and innovation present in the oil and gas sector. Skilled professionals in this field continually push the boundaries of technology, striving to make operations safer, more efficient, and environmentally sustainable. From developing advanced drilling techniques to investing in renewable energy projects and new sustainable technologies, the industry is evolving to meet the demands of a changing world.

Moreover, the oil and gas sector is a significant contributor to government revenues, funding public services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Taxes and royalties generated by the industry play a crucial role in supporting the social programs that Canadians rely on daily.

In short, Canada’s energy sector isn’t just about oil and gas.

It’s about the schools, roads, infrastructures, and social programs that make our communities thrive.

As well as the half-a-million Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast who live a fulfilling and prosperous life, thanks to the sector.

So next time you hear “Big Oil”, think about these people.

The Government of Canada recently released its emissions cap framework. Such a framework is a threat to Canadian prosperity, as it is a de-facto cap on domestic oil and gas production.

The production cap will hinder Canada’s economic growth and make the nation increasingly dependent on less responsible, less reliable, and less sustainable oil sources from abroad.

Learn more about the dangerous policy by visiting NoProductionCap.ca, and learn how you can take action today!

About The Author: