Oil and gas prices are translating to particularly rough times for the oil and gas workers affected even though drivers may be pleased to see the lower numbers on the signs outside their local gas stations. Given the economy’s reliance on this industry, particularly in Calgary and generally around the world, it is no wonder that the trend of falling oil and gas prices is impacting employment at a fast rate.
Falling Oil Prices Are Causing Massive Job Cuts
There have been thousands of jobs lost in Calgary, Alberta and beyond as a result of plummeting prices since June 2014 and this likely will continue through June of this year. Projections have estimated that up to 185,000 direct and indirect oil and gas industry jobs in the province could be lost.
Significant drops in oil prices have had obvious and continual effects on the industry in Calgary. In a one-year period, as of late last spring, prices had dropped more than 50 percent. Since Alberta was the job leader in Canada throughout most of the 2000s due to oil and gas, the staggering 14,000 jobs cut over one month in February 2014 was particularly upsetting. It was also unheard of since the 2009 recession.
Uncertainty in the Industry and More Layoffs Expected
Approximately half of the companies questioned expect to make additional reductions if low oil prices continue. Projections indicate that prices will not turn around quickly either, declining even further first before they eventually go back up. Gas has not been this drastically low since the recession between 2008 and 2009. Oil hit a record low in January in Canada at about $19 per barrel. This represents a near 12 year low. At these prices, it’s unlikely that many Canadian oil exports are making any profit. Sinking oil prices are also causing havoc by driving down the Canadian dollar.
Recommendations from the Royalty Review Task Force for the province on oil and gas industry were delayed by at least one month, adding to concern about the performance expected for the year. Thousands of oil and gas jobs have been lost since prices started to fall in June 2014. Capital spending dropped about $35 billion for the year between then and June 2015. There is also an effect on other industries across the country, which have contributed another 60,000 lost jobs.
Since the majority of Canadian oil and gas jobs are in Alberta, even provincial unemployment rates are affected and have increased over 2.5 percent. Finding employment in the industry has become much more difficult, particularly as workers are not retiring as early. Within one year, numerous companies said up to 25 percent of their employees were getting, or going to be, laid off. Experts say there will be changes in the industry, but the downward trend will not reverse itself until later than they originally thought.
Responding With a Debt Consolidation Loan, Consumer Proposal or Orderly Payment of Debts
When faced with this level of unemployment, Calgary residents can expect to accumulate more debt than usual. Options such as a debt consolidation loan, consumer proposal or orderly payment of debt can help through these difficult times and get back on your feet.
Debt consolidation combines several debts into one loan so there is lower interest to be paid. Once you draw up a list of all your debts, you can try to negotiate the best interest rates before choosing a financial institution. Then, you should review all the terms and conditions to determine what the loan will cost you.
A Licensed Insolvency Trustee (LIT) can review your circumstances, advise you on your budget and help you improve your finances. A LIT can work out a plan in a consumer proposal with your creditors to set up affordable monthly payments on your behalf to pay off your debts or you can try to arrange a payment plan yourself.
To qualify for a consumer proposal, you need an acceptable credit rating and enough income to show you can manage the loan and make monthly consolidated payments, while still paying your regular monthly bills and expenses. Although it is free to apply for a consumer proposal, a fee to open your file may apply.
An orderly payment of debts only exists in four provinces in Canada, including Alberta. It is an alternative option to helping you pay off your debt and gives you up to three years to pay in full, but the 5 percent interest rate deduction is non-negotiable. You are protected from having assets taken away from you or wages garnished and creditors cannot harass you. A counsellor contacts your creditors, who are then legally bound by this financial contract. Like the consumer proposal option, an orderly payment of debts also gives you the opportunity to learn how to boost your credit.
Contact Us at Faber
At Faber, a Licensed Insolvency Trustee at any of our 16 offices in Alberta can work with you and help to see if you can to avoid a personal bankruptcy or business bankruptcy in Calgary, Edmonton or elsewhere in Alberta. We have been providing debt solutions to Albertans for more than two decades. Call us today at 1.877.944.1177.