ExxonMobil, the lead owner in the Hibernia project, announced it was cutting jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador as part of a global restructuring plan. (ExxonMobil Canada)
U.S. oil giant ExxonMobil is planning to slash 2,000 jobs globally — and some of those jobs are in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“On Monday, we announced a phased restructuring plan that will ensure our long-term competitiveness, resulting in fewer positions in St. John’s,” ExxonMobil spokesperson Shelley Sullivan told CBC News in an email.
She did not disclose exactly how many positions will be cut in this province.
“This adjustment will allow us to draw more fully on global technical and professional services and technology across locations,” she said.
Sullivan said the changes were not expected to affect the company’s project assets or offshore workforce.
ExxonMobil Canada is the Hebron project operator, and the lead owner in the Hibernia project.Â
Sullivan said ExxonMobil Canada will see a reduction of approximately 20 per cent of positions by the end of 2027.
Energy N.L. CEO Charlene Johnson says she’s reaching out to ExxonMobil Canada for more information. (Darryl Murphy/CBC)
“It will position our Canada operations for the future, while continuing to meet our obligations for project benefits here in Newfoundland and Labrador,” Sullivan wrote.
Earlier this week, Calgary-based Imperial Oil, which is majority owned by ExxonMobil, said it was cutting approximately 900 jobs, mostly in Calgary. It would relocate other employees to its Strathcona Refinery in Edmonton in late 2028.
‘Extremely unfortunate’
Energy N.L. CEO Charlene Johnson said the announcement is “extremely unfortunate.”
She’s also worried about the impact it could have on the local industry, especially as it pertains to local decision making and procurement management.Â
“Energy N.L. is seeking further information from ExxonMobil Canada about the potential impacts, and also plans to discuss this matter with the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Energy Regulator and both the federal and provincial governments,” Johnson said in an email to CBC News.
She said the Atlantic Accord is the “foundational legislation” for the province’s offshore and its principles “must be upheld with first consideration and full and fair opportunity for Energy N.L. members on all operations offshore Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Click here to visit our landing page.