Industry stakeholder group launches “Oil Respect” campaign to combat naysayers

The Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors appears to have reached its breaking point, launching the “Oil Respect” campaign.

The idea is to empower regular Canadians to voice support for the Canadian oil and gas industry.

It’ll include President Mark Scholz speaking at venues across Canada where he will ask regular people to speak out in support of the industry.

They’re also calling on the federal and provincial governments to stand up for oil and gas development and transportation via pipelines, in hopes of reaching tidewater and expanding market access.

Standing next to Scholz were gentlemen who work in the industry, one coming from as far as Leduc to be there and show his support.

It couldn’t come at a more prudent time for the sector which has already lost 100,000 direct and indirect jobs. That’s roughly one in six positions in the province.

“What is relatively new to our industry is the misinformed criticism from celebrity activists, media elites, some politicians and environmental radicals, all at a time when tens of thousands of people are without work and without hope for an immediate recovery.”

Scholz was asked to elaborate on who exactly he was talking about but it was clear comments made by actors like Leonardo Di Caprio about Alberta weather didn’t help.

“When critics distort the record and the facts, they attack the workers and families of one of the most important drivers of the Canadian economy. They also attack an industry that is an environmental leader compared to every competitor we have anywhere in the world.”

“We are calling on fair-minded Canadians and our elected representatives to acknoweldge these facts and to recognize the contribution this industry makes to Canada. We are asking for respect for our industry.”

Premier Rachel Notley has made it clear that pipelines are a priority of her government. Scholz was asked what more Edmonton can do to assure the beleagured industry.

“I can tell you that we are looking for, this industry, if it wants to grow, if it wants to continue providing Canadians from across the country with some of the highest-value jobs, if we want to see billions in tax revenue, we need to get market access,” he said. “I think what we’re looking for is enough talking because people are looking for work.”

Their “Oil Respect” tour begins on February 25th with a speaking engagement at the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce. They’ve also launched a petition to name February 13th, 2017 “Oil and Gas Awareness Day.”

To read more about their campaign, click here.