We are at a pivotal moment in Canada’s history. Our government leaders are making historic decisions about whether or not various energy projects are given the green light to proceed.
And, as they make these crucial decisions, it seems the nation is being divided into two groups: those who support our resource industry, and those who want to protect the environment and address the global issue of climate change. But, in reality, it isn’t an either-or situation. I believe the silent majority of Canadians think the future of our nation depends on us having it both ways.
We need to develop our natural resources in a safe and sustainable way, so we can create employment and pay for the government services we all rely on. Canada’s resource industry adheres to the world’s strictest environmental laws and regulations, and companies are spending billions of dollars on new technology to lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce their impact on the environment.
Our industries supply Canada’s energy demands and they export these resources to countries that are switching away from dirtier forms of energy produced in countries that have no environmental, safety or employment regulations. So, as our country transitions away from fossil fuels, Canada’s energy industry is using the wealth they generate today, to invest in the clean technologies of the future.
The issue of climate change and resource development shouldn’t polarize our country. As we look ahead, one thing is certain: Canada needs to come together around a national climate strategy that unites people and drives growth in a new energy economy.
So, while some will say that we can either lower greenhouse gas emissions or develop our resources, I believe that industries such as the oil and gas sector are actually the key to addressing climate change.
The fact remains that Canadian natural resources have a tremendous impact on our daily lives. According to Statistics Canada, the value of Canada’s natural resource output in 2015 was $225.5 billion, which equals $617.8 million per day. Those are family-supporting jobs, producing a product that we depend on, and generating revenue our country desperately needs.
While it is common to hear that occupations in science and technology are outstripping those in the resource sector, jobs data from BC Stats shows it is actually the other way around. No occupational category in B.C. grew as quickly as mining and oil and gas extraction did during the past 10 years.
That said, our country’s most important commodity has never been its natural resources. Canada’s most important asset is its people. And, in the past, one of its most underutilized assets were women.
The resource industry has historically been dominated by men, but we’re making progress. Not only are attitudes and policies changing, but the skills needed in the resource industry have changed. This has opened the door to more opportunities for women – jobs in science, computer engineering, environmental technology, health and safety, as well as leadership roles in community engagement and relationship building, which have become critical factors in getting new projects off the ground.
I believe that support and networking for women in the industry and garnering publicity around successful role models are also influencing the gender imbalance. Networking and collaboration help bring down the barriers and, in turn, help advance women in the workplace. It’s also a chance to recognize the trailblazers and provide encouragement and mentorship to others in the industry.
That’s why I helped found SheTalks, an organization that brings inspirational women together for a day of storytelling and empowerment. The open platform allows women to harness the power of our collective, create connections and support the success of others.
I’m particularly proud of SheTalks Resources, which features women working in B.C.’s resource sector. We showcase the women who are leading the way in ensuring resource development is taking place in environmentally, socially and economically responsible ways.
These pioneers stepped out of their comfort zone and are shaping the future of the industry. That’s because diversity makes a company better. Diversity allows you to gain different perspectives and problem-solving abilities. Employing more women creates more success, inspires better solutions and brings better financial returns. Simply put: satisfied, supported women put more into their workplaces and get more out of their careers. We need to continue leveraging these advantages to create more powerful workplaces.
This goal is more important than ever as we head into a new political era in the United States. Women must stand their ground and not relinquish the hard-won advances we have achieved in gaining equality and access to opportunities.
And, while it’s not yet clear what a Trump presidency will mean for global women’s rights, his election win has made us realize that the advancements women have made might be more fragile than we thought. Recent events are a reminder that leaders who do not respect women as equal decision-makers may very well roll back the important progress that we have made.
But we can rise above the rhetoric and continue to champion women’s rights and our role in today’s global workforce. There continues to be a growing demand for the skills and perspectives women bring to the workplace, and, despite recent events, I believe that we will continue to be an important force in spurring economic prosperity here in Canada and abroad.
