People

The pioneers and contemporary leaders that have shaped Canada's petroleum industry are a vast and colorful lot. As oil and natural gas became the 20th century fuel of choice, entrepreneurs emerged to exploit them. The industry includes not only the captains of industry but also the more humble workers involved in every area of surveying, drilling, transporting, and processing.  These "frontline" activities are supported by a large research establishment as well as the political regulators.

The oil industry is a high stakes enterprise that gambles on the success and failures of its people. Major ventures can collapse with one mistake or reap success due to the heroics  of one person. No wonder popular historian Pierre Berton has described mid-twentieth century industry leaders as "the blue-eyed sheiks!"

Consider the story of the famous geologist Vern Hunter, who drilled and discovered nothing so many times that he was infamously pinned with the nickname “Dry Hole.” Despite the disappointment of each setback, Hunter continued to drill, determined to succeed. With dwindling funds and one last chance, he discovered oil at Leduc in 1947 and overnight changed the face of Canada’s petroleum industry.

The people section of this website examines the careers and lives of the individuals who have shaped the petroleum industry. Those wishing to enter the highly profitable oil and gas industry will have special interest on the careers, training, and safety issues found in this section. Current issues, such as women in the workforce and trade shortages, are also examined.