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PSAC introduces
a new name and look
NEWS for your magazine
PLUS: Results from the 2010 Drilling Activity Forecast • Challenges to consider as recruiting ramps up
Fuel management company safeguards its workers • Message from PSAC’s new president
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Departments
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR 4
2011 DRILLING ACTIVITY FORECAST 7
Could increased activity be on the horizon
for 2011?
IN THE FIELD 8
All the news, events and latest announcements
PSAC IN ACTION 23
The latest developments in what PSAC is
28 doing for its members and industry
BUSINESS MATTERS 26
Features 26
Ramp up your recruitment without getting
employees down
MEMBER PROFILE 28
10 FROM THE DRILLING Environmental Refuelling System Inc.’s
ACTIVITY FORECAST EVENT Frac Shack keeps workers safe in tough conditions
PSAC’s annual event continues
to draw crowds YOUR COMMUNITY 30
911 Industrial Response Inc.
15 OIL AND GAS SERVICE
COVER
IS BIG BUSINESS
PSAC delivers the report on the
10 32
services sector, and we’re all in
for some big surprises
20
PETROLEUM SERVICES NEWS 3
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Ready to Raise Our Profile
I
AM HONOURED TO BE WRITING TO YOU as the incoming 2010-2011 Chair of
the Petroleum Services Association of Canada. I look forward to my job of raising
the profile of the oilfield services sector as we come out of what could arguably be the
worst economic downturn of our time.
I started in the services sector during the boom times of the late ’70s in Fort St.
John, B.C., as a mud man with Halliburton and have endured at least three downturns, and
the National Energy Policy, but this latest political and economic firestorm has affected the
industry like no other. Regardless of what this winter drilling season brings, I know that
the resilience and dedication of PSAC member companies will continue to rebuild and
empower their employees as this quantum shift from deep gas to shale gas and heavy oil
creates new opportunities for the future.
Safety, climate change and the social licence to operate are important factors that
have become the “new norm” as we move forward in the pursuit of hydrocarbons. PSAC
member companies champion these causes as they work with producers, the public and
government agencies in reducing the oil and gas industry’s impact on the environment.
Brian Coston, PSAC Board Chair
As the Chair of PSAC for 2010-2011, I feel it is paramount that we raise the profile of the
services industry in the eyes of the public and the government, and continue to keep the
discussion about the significance of the oilfield services sector top of mind. Many of you will be aware
that PSAC recently undertook an extensive project and commissioned the Canadian Energy Research
Institute (CERI) and Mission Capital Inc. to identify our industry’s contributions to Canada’s gross
domestic product as well as the revenues we’ve generated, not only at home but through our extensive
technological expertise employed elsewhere in the world. Our secondary and post-secondary
institutions can and will use this information to direct curriculum that will provide qualified
personnel for years to come.
The results of the PSAC studies, revealing $65 billion of Canada’s GDP is generated by the oilfield
services sector and $13 billion in revenues is generated abroad by Canadian-based oilfield service
companies, indicate the sector is the single largest services industry contributor to GDP. Our 800,000
employees, or 4.8 per cent of the Canadian workforce, were negatively impacted two years ago by
policy changes focused on exploration and production companies and their royalties, taxes and profits.
Awareness and education will hopefully ensure that PSAC and the oilfield services sector are consulted
prior to any significant changes in the future. E&P companies also recognize that the “Big Oil” label
has made it difficult, if not impossible, for them to garner public support for ongoing projects
without the support of the services sector. Working together, we can provide the direction,
funding and technological advancements required to maintain our status as the best-run and
most environmentally friendly oil industry in the world.
I have a great group of board members representing a wide variety of large and small service
companies all focused on championing the interests of our member companies in the pursuit of
new and exciting opportunities in this wonderful industry we call the “patch.” I encourage all of my
colleagues to get involved in committees and initiatives to make the most of their membership in the
vibrant leading edge association we know as PSAC.
Sincerely,
Brian Coston
PSAC Board Chair
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT: ELIZABETH AQUIN Suite 300 Iveagh House T 403 264-1197
EDITOR: HOLLY KERR 707, 7th Avenue S.W.
F 403 264-1584
Calgary, AB Canada
PETROLEUM SERVICES NEWS IS PUBLISHED FOR PSAC BY
T2P 3H6 www.pajakeng.com
VENTURE PUBLISHING INC.
10259-105 STREET,
EDMONTON, AB T5J 1E3
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FAX: 780-425-4921
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This is what we do.
PUBLISHER: RUTH KELLY
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: JOYCE BYRNE
MANAGING EDITOR: STEPHANIE SPARKS
EDITORIAL INTERN: CAILYNN KLINGBELL
CONTRIBUTING WRITER: KRISTIANA INDRADAT
ART DIRECTOR: CHARLES BURKE
ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR: COLIN SPENCE
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR: BETTY-LOU SMITH
DISTRIBUTION: JENNIFER KING
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: LESLIE HASTMAN, DENNIS MCCORMACK
WWW.PSAC.CA 5
000PSN.Compass_1-4_nBL.indd 1 11/16/10 12:18:46 PM
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Goodbye OnStream,
Hello Petroleum
Services News
OUR QUARTERLY MAGAZINE, formerly known as
OnStream, is the official voice of PSAC. It has evolved since its
early days as a hand-typed newsletter to a tabloid-style printed
newsletter to the full-fledged industry magazine most of you are
probably familiar with today. This trade publication discusses issues of
importance to PSAC’s members, to the wider oil and gas community and
to government, with a mandate to increase awareness of salient industry
issues and to lobby for policy changes that will benefit PSAC’s members.
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
Ditch Hitch
PSAC and KPMG Announce New Scholarship
Integrated Risk Management
Techworks Solutions Providers Inc.
PSAC IS PLEASED to announce that a new honour someone who has put in a lot of time
scholarship is being made available to students and effort to support and grow an industry that
as part of the PSAC Education Fund. The PSAC is integral to Alberta and Canada.”
Roger Soucy Legacy Scholarship Funded by Travis Strube, PSAC’s Education Fund
For Roger’s a KPMG will be available to students starting in
2011. KPMG is providing $2,500 per year over the
Committee Chair, acknowledged KPMG’s
contribution, stating, “Students and the petroleum
WWW.PSAC.CA 9
FROM THE
Drilling
Forecast ACTIVITY
INDUSTRY OUTLOOK
A crowd of 300 await the
perspectives of industry
experts on drilling activity
levels for 2011
• Drilling activity levels are “WITH PSAC’S HELP, A MORE WELL-INFORMED GOVERNMENT AND
increasing.
• The use of horizontal wells has been
PUBLIC WILL PROVIDE THE PLATFORM REQUIRED FOR ALL OF US
on the rise, with a record number of IN THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY TO GROW AND PROSPER IN THE
horizontal wells being drilled in WESTERN CANADIAN SEDIMENTARY BASIN.”
every province, and this trend is
– Brian Coston, 2010-2011 PSAC CHAIRMAN
expected to continue.
• Land sale activity is strong.
• Expect gas market rebalancing by mid-2011.
All speakers agreed that while we will not SHAKE ON IT
soon see the record 25,000 wells we saw in 2005,
Outgoing President Roger Soucy
the changes anticipated ahead represent a new
welcomes incoming President
beginning and optimism on many fronts. Mark Salkeld
INDUSTRY DINNER
PSAC hosted its annual industry dinner to a full
house of about 300 guests. The keynote speaker
was Robert Ineson, Senior Director with IHS
Cambridge Energy Research Associates (CERA).
Ineson is leader of CERA’s North American
natural gas team, and presented “The Shale
Gale and What it Means for the Canadian Gas
WWW.PSAC.CA 11
DAF AND AGM
DS AWARD RECIPIENTS PSAC THANKS OUR SPONSORS FOR THEIR GENEROUS
AND ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT OF OUR EVENTS:
Heather Barratt Champion Technologies Ltd. Rachael Lusk Sanjel Corp.
Martin Blair Weatherford Canada Partnership Stacey Marr Weatherford Canada Partnership CANADIAN DRILLING ACTIVITY FORECAST SESSION
Clyde Bonnell National Oilwell Varco David McHattie Tenaris Global Services Inc. SPONSOR:
Jesse Clifford Stream-Flo Industries Ltd. Lucas Mezzano DYNAenergetics Canada Inc.
Todd den Engelsen Canyon Technical Services Ltd. Lorraine O’Donnell Nabors Canada
Harold Drok Flint Energy Services Ltd. Dave Osborne CEDA International Corp.
Lee Emond Import Tool Corp. Ltd. Brian Paisley Nabors Canada
MEDIA SPONSOR:
Brian Farmer Trojan Safety Service Gail Purdy National Oilwell Varco
Fred Farmer Halliburton Group Canada Mark Ravlich Essential Energy Services
Glen Gibling Halliburton Group Canada Rob Ryan Hallmark Tubulars Ltd.
Tracee Gillman Prudential Energy Services Stacy Saunders Kodiak Wireline Services Ltd.
Doug Klaning Halliburton Group Canada Warren Schick Sanjel Corp. INDUSTRY DINNER CO-SPONSORS:
Robert Knowles Weatherford Canada Partnership Greg Steffensen Newalta Corporation
Murray Lambkin Sanjel Corp. Travis Strube Topco Oilsite Products Ltd.
Garry Lane (ret.) Strike Energy Services Inc. Renee Vanderwolf National Oilwell Varco
Ron Logan Strike Energy Services Inc. Wendy Watson Trican Well Service Ltd.
Ross Whelan High Arctic Energy Services
Industry,” with reference to opportunities in the Western Canadian the best industry in the world.”
Sedimentary Basin. He adds, “With PSAC’s help, a more well-
The annual dinner event was an opportunity for many to wish informed government and public will provide
Roger Soucy all the best as he retires from PSAC and moves on to new the platform required for all of us in the oil and
endeavours. Brian Coston spoke about his intentions to help raise gas industry to grow and prosper in the Western
awareness of opportunities for young people in the oilfield services Canadian Sedimentary Basin.”
sector through PSAC’s Education Fund. Coston also indicated the Association will
“Given the information uncovered this year by PSAC and the continue to work on strengthening relationships
Canadian Energy Research Institute about the economic contribution between the producing sector, the services sector
of the oilfield services sector to the Canadian economy – that it is a $65- and the public through PSAC’s Public Outreach
billion industry employing some 800,000 people – I intend to lobby the Program. He pointed out that, as always, PSAC
secondary and post-secondary institutions to raise the awareness of the will continue to focus on members’ most pressing
limitless opportunities our industry can provide to young people that concerns, which are labour, safety, technology
will hopefully interest them in becoming involved in what we know as and the bottom line.
www.hallmarksolutions.ca
From Mill to W
CELEBR ATING
YEARS
Service
rvices PSAC CHAIR, 2009-10
T
HE NUMBERS ARE IMPRESSIVE: A $65-billion And when governments and the public don’t
business, 800,000 employees, $9 billion understand the services sector’s economic
in annual taxes. Even better, the contributions, they can easily make decisions that
Canadian oil and gas service, supply are detrimental to everyone working in and with the
and manufacturing sector can be proud sector – and the industry as a whole. (Case in point:
to call these numbers its own. the Alberta Royalty Review of 2007.)
So PSAC commissioned the Canadian Energy
That’s right. A comprehensive study commissioned by
Research Institute (CERI) and Mission Capital Inc. to
PSAC has quantified what many in the sector knew in their
conduct the study and produce the resulting report,
gut – the oil and gas services sector is big business. “The Contributions of the Canadian Oil and Gas
If we already knew it, why did we need the study? David Services Sector to the Canadian National Economy.”
Yager, the 2009-2010 PSAC Chairman, and Chairman and The study’s services sector data incorporates all of the
CEO of HSE Integrated Ltd., explains, “The energy policy products and services used in direct support
debate about the role of the oil and gas industry in Canada of exploration and production (E&P) activities,
is primarily focused on exploration and production including exploration, drilling, completion,
companies, including the royalties and taxes they pay and production, construction, processing, transportation,
the profits they reap. While many people understand the logistics, manufacturing, maintenance and
essential role the services sector plays in supporting oil and fabrication.
gas development, most do not realize the degree to which this In October 2010, PSAC proudly released the results
sector drives jobs, investment and economic opportunity.” of the surprising study. Here’s a snapshot of the im-
pressive statistics that were uncovered.
WWW.PSAC.CA 15
SERVICES SECTOR CONTRIBUTION TO GDP
In 2006 (the latest year of available data), the oil and gas services sector
contributed a whopping $65 billion to Canada’s gross domestic product
(GDP). That’s 4.8 per cent of Canada’s total GDP. Compare the service
sector’s $65 billion to the 2006 GDP of some other sectors:
• Oil and gas production: $86.6 billion
• Residential construction: $30.8 billion
• Automobile manufacturing: $17.6 billion
• Non-residential construction: $15.2 billion
• Agriculture: $9.0 billion
• Forestry: $6.5 billion
Out of Canada’s biggest industrial and resource sectors, only the producers
contribute more to Canada’s GDP than the oil and gas services sector.
WWW.PSAC.CA 17
been able to build a business that puts it in the league with Canada’s other
PARTNER REPORT ADDS UP SECTOR’S EXPORT CAPACITY
resource industry superpowers.”
A second report commissioned by PSAC focused on the PSAC is very pleased that its new report confirms what PSAC members
sector’s export capacity. PSAC wanted to understand the already knew: the services sector really does matter. Responsible for
sector’s export capacity because over the last six decades, approximately five per cent of all GDP and employment, and four per cent
Canadian advances in research and development, technology of all taxes, the sector makes significant economic contributions every
and equipment have strengthened the oil and gas industry year – significant enough to be considered when policies are being set and
from one that primarily imports its products to one that is opinions are being formed. PSAC hopes that with this data, the oil and gas
exporting to international markets. Alberta’s government has services sector will finally receive the attention it deserves.
long since pushed the idea of industrial diversification, and PSAC’s reports are available on the PSAC website at www.psac.ca.
David Yager, 2009-2010 PSAC Chairman, believes that it has
been achieved thanks to the efforts of the services sector.
For this report, called “PSAC Oil and Gas Support
Companies International Revenue Review,” Mission Capital Inc.
sought out information from the larger services companies
that are required to disclose their international revenues.
Data was tallied from the companies’ 2008 and 2009 annual
reports.
The report states that in 2009, 36 Canadian drilling and
well servicing, service and supply, and pipeline infrastructure
and processing companies earned $12.8 billion in revenue
outside of Canada. The international revenue of those
companies made up one-third (34 per cent) of their total
revenue. Interestingly, there was a 15 per cent drop in
revenue from 2008 to 2009, but only a nine per cent drop in
international revenue over the same period. That shows the
agility of the sector and its people to move to areas of highest
activity as required.
Overall, the report’s data proves that Canadian oil and gas
services sector people and technology are definitely
exportable. “We’re not just waiting around for oil companies to
decide they want to drill here,” says Yager. “We can go out and
work for other people in the world – and we do.”
For more information about CGSB certification and how to protect yourself
and your fellow workers, please contact:
info@mwgapparel.com or call (204) 786-0246
WWW>PSAC>CA
MWGAPPAREL CORP.
19
Head
OF THE
Class
PSAC EDUCATION FUND ANNOUNCES SCHOLARSHIP
AND GRANT WINNERS
T
HE PSAC EDUCATION FUND awarded 10 schools to create new ones is the central aim of the
students and 10 schools $1,000 each for a PSAC Education Fund. The Fund helps ensure that
total of $20,000 in scholarships and grants the upcoming generation will have the knowledge
this year. PSAC is pleased that these and tools to thrive, and is just one example of
annual awards will enable student recipients how the petroleum services industry supports the
to pursue their educational goals and help Canadian communities in which it works.
small schools in western Canadian communities enhance their Scholarship recipients were determined this
year through a random draw process while
learning programs.
grant recipients were selected by a committee
Since being established in 2001, the Fund has invested over $140,000 in according to a predetermined set of criteria.
the futures of Canadian students. Students pursuing a certificate, diploma or More information can be found starting in January
degree at an accredited post-secondary institution are eligible to apply for the at www.psac.ca/community.
scholarships. Proposals for grant funding are submitted by schools aiming to
enhance their learning opportunities in math, sciences or trades programs. SCHOLARSHIPS
The goal of the program is to build awareness of and interest in careers in A total of 539 eligible applications were received
the petroleum services industry. By offering financial support through the for PSAC scholarships in 2010. Applications
PSAC Education Fund, the petroleum services industry helps to develop and covered a variety of fields, including engineering,
support future leaders in a tangible way. PSAC and its member companies are medicine, technology, business, education, trades
committed to encouraging learning and building the future workforce. and much more. This year’s recipients of $1,000
Enabling students to take advantage of existing opportunities and helping scholarships were:
SCHOOL GRANTS
A total of 39 eligible applications were received for school grants in 2010. All of the schools are located in communities with populations of 30,000 or less
and have limited resources available for science, math and trades programs. The 10 schools that received PSAC Education Fund grants of $1,000 this year were:
SCHOOL PROJECT TOWN/PROVINCE
Atikameg School Purchase of educational rockets and launch pads Atikameg, AB
Beiseker Community School Purchase of TIG welder Beiseker, AB
Eagle Butte High School Purchase of Vernier probeware Dunmore, AB
Forestburg School Purchase of lab equipment, chemicals and model kits Forestburg, AB
Holy Spirit Catholic School Purchase of robotics equipment Devon, AB
Jessie Duncan Elementary School Undertake job shadow/oil & gas job bank project Penhold, AB
Rimbey Junior/Senior High School Purchase of double reel cable holder for welder Rimbey, AB
Saanich Adult Education Centre Sponsored science fair Brentwood Bay, BC
SPIDER Distributed Learning Sponsored field trip to Port of Vancouver petroleum facilities Gibsons, BC
Success School Purchase of measurement sensors and galvanometer Success, SK
O
UR PUBLIC OUTREACH COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Program has gained PSAC has successfully gained the commitment of all the major oil and gas
significant momentum industry associations to an industry-wide, “in-the-field” courtesy program
since we last provided an called Community Partners. The program was launched at a media event
update in the summer on October 22 in Calgary with attendance by media representatives
issue of OnStream. and companies from various sectors publicly signing on to the program.
In June, we began distributing PatchWorks, Plans to publicly launch the program in British Columbia and
our series of monthly articles that provide Saskatchewan are underway. The program focuses worker attention on
information, facts and statistics to industry local concerns related to oil and gas activity – dust, gates, garbage, noise,
employees and the public. Since June, we driving safety and traffic. It also reminds oil and gas workers and
have provided articles on gasoline and crude contractors to communicate openly with area residents, and treat
oil pricing, a two-part explanation of how the them and theirproperty with respect.
royalty process works and an issue devoted to the A collection of tools that will help remind employees and contractors
economic contributions of the oil and gas services about respectful behaviour has also been produced. A one-minute catchy
sector to the Canadian economy. Feedback jingle can be found on www.communitypartners.ca and also on
suggests that the articles are well-read and passed YouTube. Collateral items including vehicle air fresheners, windshield
along to many others. PSAC’s public website, decals, tailgate magnets and hard hat stickers are also available for
which is located at www.oilandgasinfo.ca, companies to order and distribute to their employees. Although the
is t he home for PatchWorks, along w ith Community Partners program was only developed in the latter half of
additional information about the oil and gas 2010, a growing number of companies from various sectors have already
industry. PatchWorks can be found at agreed to its guiding principles. These leading companies are recognized
www.oilandgasinfo.ca/patchworks. on the program’s website at www.communitypartners.ca.
WWW.PSAC.CA 23
TWO COUPLES,
ONE GOAL:
INSPIRING OTHERS.
SAIT Polytechnic thanks Connie and Murray Cobbe and Barbara and David Johnson for
their leadership and generosity. Both couples have donated $5 million each to education,
through the Promising Futures™ Campaign in support of SAIT’s Trades and Technology
Complex. In recognition of their gifts, the new home of the MacPhail School of Energy
will be named the Johnson – Cobbe Energy Centre. Both Mr. Cobbe and Mr. Johnson are
graduates of SAIT’s Petroleum Engineering Technology Program, and their combined
contribution of $10 million will help create a centre of inspiration and transform the lives
of many future students.
SAIT’s new Trades and Technology Complex will engage up to 8,100 more full and part-time
students each year in hands-on, career-oriented training. It will also turn Calgary into a
hub of learning and contribute significantly to our economy — thanks to the generosity of
the Johnsons and Cobbes.
sait-promising-futures.ca
PSAC IN ACTION: Keeping the services sector front and centre
GROUNDBREAKING STUDY:
Education Fund Golf Classic David Yager, PSAC Chair and Peter Howard of CERI present the findings of the impact of oilfield
services on the Canadian economy at a press conference
severity of motor vehicle accidents. One of the CVSE’s areas of under the U.S. Patriot Act; and protection regarding access to personal
concern is the high number of mechanical deficiencies found on information collected by ISNetworld. The Privacy Commissioner is
routine inspections of commercial vehicles. CVSE is initiating a pilot currently conducting an investigation of the PSAC complaint, and PSAC
project giving officers the authority to remove and withhold a licence will advise members regarding progress on this issue.
plate until the vehicle has been deemed roadworthy.
MEMBER LUNCHEON
PSAC’S 2010 EDUCATION FUND GOLF CLASSIC RAISED $46,000 FOR EDUCATION PSAC hosted 55 member company representatives at a member luncheon
A crowd of 144 oilpatch employees and guests took to the fairways on in Fort St. John, B.C., following its 11th annual Pre-Drilling Season
July 22 in Calgary for a day of fundraising and fun, generating $46,000 Meeting. PSAC provided an update on the Association’s activities and
for education at the annual PSAC Education Fund Golf Classic. member services.
The event, which took place at the Calgary Elks Lodge and Golf Club,
boasted a number of highlights including a special presentation to ALBERTA IS ENERGY PRESENTATION IN LLOYDMINSTER
guests of honour Stefano Arcovio, an engineering student at Queen’s As part of PSAC’s commitment to partner with the other trade
University, and Angela Misuraca, a communications student at the associations to ensure the industry is unified in countering negative press,
University of Calgary. As a result of the tournament proceeds, PSAC and CAPP made a presentation to an audience of 70 members of the
each student was awarded a $1,000 scholarship towards their post- Chamber of Commerce in Lloydminster, Alberta, in August. They
secondary studies. Arcovio and Misuraca are two of 10 students awarded presented the Alberta is Energy message, part of a joint industry campaign
the scholarships through member companies as part of PSAC’s 2010 designed to improve public opinion about the oil and gas industry. More
Education Fund. Both students plan to work in the oil and gas industry information on the campaign can be found at www.albertaisenergy.ca.
upon completion of their studies. The fund also awarded $1,000 grants
to 10 schools in small western Canadian communities this year to PSAC ANNOUNCES THE RESULTS OF TWO GROUNDBREAKING STUDIES ON THE ECONOMIC
enhance their math, science and technology programs. The mandate of IMPACT OF OIL AND GAS SERVICES
the PSAC Education Fund is to create awareness of career opportuni- On October 5, PSAC announced to a sold-out crowd at Calgary’s Westin
ties in the petroleum industry and help to develop the future workforce. Hotel the results of two studies into the economic impact of oil and gas
(More detail in article on p.20) services on the Canadian economy. PSAC commissioned the Canadian
Energy Research Institute (CERI) and Mission Capital Inc. to undertake
PRIVACY CONCERNS ADDRESSED these studies to create a better understanding among governments,
In response to concerns raised by our members, PSAC has lodged a the public and the media of the significant fi nancial and employment
complaint with the Alberta Information and Privacy Commissioner role this industry plays across Canada. The results indicate that
relating to data being collected by ISNetworld on behalf of oil and gas in 2006 the oil and gas services sector contributed $ 65 billion
companies. The complaint relates to the collection, use and disclosure of to Canada’s gross domestic product, employed 800,000 workers
both contractor company fi nancial information and employees’ personal across Canada and contributed $9 billion in personal and corporate
information; safeguarding of personal information; potential for the taxes to federal and provincial governments. More information about
wider dissemination of personal information provided by Canadians the project can be found on p.15 or at www.psac.ca.
WWW.PSAC.CA 25
BUSINESS matters
Ramping Up Recruitment
how should emPloyers aPProach hiring efforts
following recent layoffs?
by CaIlyNN KlINgBEIl
Justify your hiring actions work, environments and possess transferable skills. The pool of skilled
Current employees who survived the layoffs may be extra sensitive immigrants already in Canada is another strong source of workers.
to new hires. Employers need to be aware of current employee concerns
that business is ramping up too quickly and new hires are not Profile yourself
justified. Kelly Burake of DMK Drilling says that by fostering a strong Companies should remember to profile themselves not only to their
organizational culture and keeping current employees in full customers but also to future employees, says Knight. By having a website
understanding of hiring practices, new people are openly welcomed where potential employees can see what programs and benefits the
and accepted into the organization. company offers, the company can successfully profile itself as an
employer of choice.
Shift your recruiting strategies
Recruitment strategies that worked before the recession may not show the Promote the positives
same results today. While DMK relied on active recruiting in previous The seasonal nature of many services companies’ work and their
years, the company has shifted its strategies and is experiencing success operations in remote locations continues to create attraction issues for
recruiting through referrals. DMK has also reacted to shifting employee companies in the sector. According to a report by the Petroleum
values. While money and pay was a defining factor in the past, Burake Human Resources Council of Canada, there is a real need and
says employees now seem to value job security above other benefits. opportunity to promote the positives associated with a career in the
sector. Employers can highlight the opportunity to work with
Tap into new markets high-tech equipment and cutting-edge science, the variety of
When looking for additional sources of labour, Cheryl Knight of the work arrangements, solid compensation and benefits available, and
Petroleum Human Resources Council of Canada suggests tapping into the career opportunities within the sector, across the whole upstream
downsized workers from other industries that are accustomed to similar industry and internationally.
WWW.PSAC.CA
VP_psac ad_1-4.indd 1 11/24/10 10:09:55
000PSN.Global_1-4_nBL.indd
AM 1 11/16/10 1:28:59 PM 27
MEMBER PROFILE
BY KRISTIANA INDRADAT
E
With explosions and fires having been reported in areas such as the
NVIRONMENTAL REFUELLING Marcellus Shale in the northeastern United States, absolute safety and
Systems Inc.’s modular hydraulic precision is top priority for Environmental Refuelling Systems. Overfilling
fracturing (“frac”) fuel delivery system, tanks raises the likelihood of dropping diesel fuel on the ground or in the worst
Frac Shack, has already been called an case, Van Vliet says, spraying diesel fuel onto hot engines.
industry standard. The self-contained unit that Up-to-the-minute data about fuel levels in the saddle tanks of each frac
removes workers from the hazards of working on a pumper is transmitted to the control room in the Frac Shack via a wireless
hot frac pad and minimizes the risk of fuel seeping reader on each of the refuelling heads. Audible and visual cues alert operators
into the environment is equipped with a patent- when fuel levels are low or when fuel tanks are full. In the latter case,
pending, real-time fuel monitoring system – a automatic valves are programmed to close, removing the possibility of
system that allows operators to see what’s overfilling the tanks.
happening in frac pumper saddle tanks without A visit to operations in the Horn River Basin shale play in the summer
exposing themselves to danger. of 2009 prompted Van Vliet and his brother Scott, who is Executive Vice
Todd Van Vliet, President of the Edmonton- President of the company, along with colleague Glen Brotzel to develop the frac
based fuel management company says, “Nobody fuelling delivery system. “We’ve spent a lot of time and effort to try and make
has to worry about who is there and whether the it right,” says Van Vliet, who adds that many safeguards have been added to the
pumpers are getting low on fuel or whether they system to minimize risks as much as possible.
are going to overfill them. It just takes the whole Frac pumpers often operate around the clock, pumping at 15,000 pounds per
concern over fuel right out of the equation so the square inch of fracturing fluid at their full capacity, says Van Vliet.
engineers and operators can then focus on just “If they’re pumping hard and one piece of pump gives way or there’s a hole
getting the job done.” in something, somebody’s going to be seriously injured,” he says. Sometimes
SAFER CONDITIONS:
An overview shot of Nexen’s
massive Horn River Basin play,
Dilly Creek, where the Frac Shack
is used
up to 30 frac pumpers are lined up so closely that walking in between them is is they didn’t have to hold up any of the fracing
near impossible. Add to that mix of challenges the searing 300-degree Celsius waiting for refuelling,” he adds.
heat generated by the locomotive engine and the frac pumper it powers. The The real-time monitoring system might help
environment is aptly called a hot zone. avoid a costly bill as well. Van Vliet says a ruined
Yet, Van Vliet saw workers endure those conditions in order to refill fuel injector caused by a frac pumper running out of
tanks or troubleshoot problems. fuel could set a company back $30,000 to $90,000
“They were doing a great job, but none of us want our people there,” he says. in repairs, never mind the economic damage of
“I was horrified.” possibly losing a frac completely.
In addition to safety benefits, the “plug and play” feature of the fuel head and Currently the company has three operating
the reduced downtime in refuelling pumper tanks has produced efficiencies in units that have returned from fracs north of Fort
the process that the company hadn’t expected. Nelson and south of Dawson Creek. “There are a
“The theory is that when we pull into a site, it doesn’t take us long to rig up few things we can do to make them more efficient
because all we do is put on the right adaptor for the client’s system, throw on the and a little more comfortable for the operator,
fuel heads and you’re ready to go,” says Van Vliet. but we’re really happy with the performance and
“When we worked with Nexen at their Dilly Creek operation, that frac took everyone that we’ve dealt with has been really
them eight or nine days less than they had scheduled and one of the reasons pleased too.”
www.cfrac.com
First
SAFETY
A
MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCE that felt good – that is how Tanya Games competitor, participating in figure skating when she was
Janssens-Brewster sums up her company’s volunteer 13 and the Games were held in the Yukon. She understands first-
work at the 21st Arctic Winter Games hosted by Grande hand the opportunity the Games present for youth living in the
Prairie in March 2010. “It was really exciting and there world’s northern communities, many of whom she says might not
was just so much energy at the Games,” she adds. otherwise leave their home countries, let alone visit Canada. The
Janssens-Brewster, President of 911 Industrial Response Inc., ability to be a part of the Games “on the other end” was behind
and 15 of her employees provided medical care to attendees, Janssens-Brewster’s motivation for volunteering her company’s
including athletes, coaches and the public, for more than 30 shifts services. “They couldn’t have the Games without medical
throughout the week-long Winter Games. Such work is nothing coverage,” she says.
new for 911 Industrial, a Grande Prairie-based company that 911 Industrial employees enjoyed the opportunity to give back
provides emergency medical care for industrial sites and to their community and be a part of the celebration of sport,
frequently volunteers its services at events in the community. social exchange and cultures. “Most of the people who work here
The Games are a biennial sports competition for youth athletes are involved in sports,” says Janssens-Brewster. “So to be able to
from around the globe living in communities north of the 55th help out those kids and provide a safe environment for them to
parallel. Janssens-Brewster was herself a former Artic Winter compete in – it felt good.”
Response. Results.
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Every dollar invested in the province’s oil and gas industry creates three dollars of value for Alberta’s economy.
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