Black Gold
Black Gold Rush, Workers Cashing In On Jobs in the Oilsands—But It Comes With a Price
Fort McMurray—or Fort McMoney, as some call it—is a place you go to fulfill your financial dreams. For many people working on the massive oilsands projects in the region, that is exactly what they are doing.
Lou Doucette, a carpenter from PEI, has been working in Fort McMurray since 2006, moving from one project to another as an employee of Ledcor. “When I first arrived here, I didn’t know what to expect,” says Lou. “But I had a plan to come and work for my future, my family’s future.”
Working in the land of the black gold rush comes with a price though. “I can’t tell you how difficult it is to miss all the important things you usually celebrate as a family,” says Lou, “whether it’s your kid’s birthday or your own anniversary. cThere is just so much that happens in the life of your family while you’re away.”
Which brings us back to the reason why workers come to Fort McMurray—money. I ask Lou how much he would make here in a year as opposed to back home, and his response is three to four times the amount. “Being here gives me choices I never had before,” he says. “It will give my daughter opportunities for school we could only have dreamed of.”
But not everyone is able to practice the discipline required to build for the future. Brian MacDonald is from Nova Scotia and has been working for JV Driver since 2004 in the oilsands. “A lot of the young kids get that first paycheque and all they can see is a brand new car or truck, maybe a boat. They go to the bank and get a loan based on making $100,000 a year, and now they are right back to living paycheque to paycheque. Once one project ends there can often be two to three months before another one starts up. Boom is always followed by bust, so you’d better plan for it.”
Steve Normand, who works for Flatiron and is from Golden, BC, says that if it weren’t for the oilsands he would be struggling to make ends meet in the mountain community that is his permanent home. “I would be lucky to make a quarter of what I make here doing the same work. I love my community in Golden though, which is why I go back there every chance I get. I spend the money I make in the oilsands in Golden.”
Listening to Steve, I’m struck by just how big of an impact the oilsands makes on the national economy. It truly has become the economic lifeblood of many communities across the country. For some, the demands of working in the oilsands on their personal lives will be too great. But for others, the decision to get in on the black gold rush is one that will reward them and their families for many years to come.
About the Author
The Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC ) is a union that is making a difference across Canada. With more than 50,000 members working in construction, social services, healthcare, transportation, retail, education, hospitality, manufacturing and more. Visit CLAC to learn more or contact one of our representatives at http://www.clac.ca / or Call: 1-800-268-5281
Sam Sparro – Black and Gold
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