It is not just in the offices. AI will reduce jobs here even in operations and in the field. This will for sure open opportunities - but the caveat is more jobs will be lost overall then gained because of AI and automation. Think about it - what are we doing here? We are thinking nothing will happen to us here at CNRL because CNRL doesn't cut - but this is not sustainable. The stock prices have remained flat overall.
Advances in AI-driven technology have dramatically increased efficiency in the oil and gas sector, compressing operations that once took months into days or weeks and significantly reducing the need for labour. At the same time, technological tools such as cloud-based sensor data, automated spill detection, and AI-powered predictive maintenance have reduced unplanned downtime by minimizing human error. AI-driven autonomous drilling systems are reducing the need for human oversight while increasing demand for AI specialists, data scientists, robotics engineers, and hybrid roles that blend petroleum engineering with advanced technology skills.
Reductions in staffing levels will occur - the question is when. I know several families who work at CNRL husband, wife, brother and parents. Just think what would happen to these families when cuts occur. I also know some who went on expense vacations to Paris over the summer.
Even if we get another pipeline to access markets other than the USA - this is not enough to stop the bleeding to the O&G here in Alberta. We are too dependant on O&G in Alberta it is not funny! We have not invested in the heritage fund, if we did we would have assets like Norway or other countries do. We are cutting social services to give corporate welfare to the large O&G companies - who don't care about Alberta - leaving us to clean up the orphan wells. We need to wake up and smell the oil before it's too late. We need to diversify our economy. Try not to have all family working for the same company or everyone in oil and gas if possible!