Peace River-Westlock M.P. Arnold Viersen is concerned with the news another energy company in the province is closing up shop. Houston Oil and Gas Ltd. out of Calgary entered receivership last week. Receivership is when a court appointed trustee oversees the liquidation of a business. Viersen says this really disappointing. “We have great value in Alberta; we have great work ethic, a strong labour force. We have all the things we need to make Canada a thriving economy and yet we are being hamstrung by our government. They need to hear us loud and clear so we can get back to work.”
Viersen also believes that a couple of bills passed by the previous parliament are hurting the province’s economy. “Bill C-48, the tanker ban on the left coast, that has to be repealed,” added Viersen. The bill is meant to ban any ships that hold over 12,500 metric tons of oil from the B.C. cost. “Bill C-69, we call it the no-pipeline bill and that has to be repealed. “
While unable to trace any job losses to the region, Viersen says when a major energy company ceases operations, the province, and country suffers. “Alberta used to be the driver of innovation in the oil and gas sector because we were the ones pushing the envelope on development of oil and gas. We lose those opportunities when we lose these major companies.”
Trident Exploration shut down earlier this year while Bellatrix Exploration is in creditor protection.
– Kenny Trenton, Trending 55 Newsroom
