People
More than 520,000 Canadians – including people in Ontario, Quebec and B.C. – rely on the industry for work, enabling thousands of families to improve their lives, support their families and communities. The industry is active in 12 of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories through a nationwide network of businesses that supply goods and services to oil and natural gas operations, employing engineers, scientists, safety technicians, environmental technologists, plumbers, electricians, construction workers, financial analysts, accountants and more.
Oil and natural gas provide energy and products that are fundamental to our daily quality of life. Even if you don’t work directly in the industry, chances are your job and your life has some connection to natural gas and oil. From fuels for heating, cooking, agriculture, manufacturing, construction and transportation (moving people, food, goods and commodities) to making everyday items like contact lenses, dentures, running shoes, carbon fibre for lighter and more efficient vehicles and plexiglass for personal protective gear, oil and natural gas underpin virtually every aspect of Canada’s economy — and Canadians’ lives.
Indigenous
The Canadian oil and natural gas industry considers natural resource development to be integral to the Canadian reconciliation process. Responsible development contributes to Indigenous self-determination by supporting the growth of sustainable and economically prosperous Indigenous communities, many of which have developed business relationships with industry. In 2019, the oil sands industry alone spent about $2.4 billion on goods and services from Indigenous businesses.
