Turns out it’s not just politicians who forget downturns happen in the oil industry, the industry itself can have a short term memory when it comes to coping with this sort of problem.
That’s one message that came from the opening session at the World Heavy Oil Congress underway in Edmonton, Alberta.
Suncor’s Executive VP. Upstream Mark Little, thinks “it’s time to have a constructive conversation on Canada’s energy needs.” Suncor and other companies have been making cuts and other adjustments to cope with dramatic drop in oil prices. It’s not the first time Little has experienced this in the 3 decades he has spent in the industry, but he insists something has to be done to ensure Canada and its energy industry emerges on the other side stronger.
Right now Little says, “there is no silver bullet ensuring our energy needs are met”, adding “it’s unfortunate the pipeline debate has become a lightning rod for the industry. We consider it the safest most efficient method to ship oil. I am disappointed in the ongoing pipeline debate. We should be able to plan our energy infrastructure with the national interest in mind.”
Little told the crowd while industry still needs to be more open and transparent and improve its environmental performance, “everyone needs to come to the table ready to talk.”
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