Lynne Bell
Observer Staff
Since 2007, The Redvers & District Oil Showcase has welcomed industry insiders, exhibitors and attendees from throughout southeast Saskatchewan, as well as from Manitoba, Alberta and the U.S. This year's edition of the bi-annual event was no exception as nearly 100 exhibitors packed the Redvers Rec Centre and nearly 40 more set up outside.
Many of those in attendance described the mood as “optimistic” - an assessment which is echoed by the event's founding member and past president, Brian LeNouail.
“This year, a lot of vendors are talking with a lot more optimism and throughout the two days, the mood is a lot lighter than it was in 2016 - and it is in the industry,” says LeNouail. “The show is a great boost for our community and communities throughout this corner of the province.”
Current Redvers & District Oil Showcase President, Matt Axten agrees with LeNouail.
“This is just one example,” says Axten. “But in 2016, we sold 300 supper tickets and this year, we sold 550 in a very short space of time. As far as the industry, we're not out of the woods, but we're close!”
This year's showcase offered attendees the opportunity to network, to learn about emerging industry trends and initiatives, as well as the chance to attend seminars led by experts in areas such as Site Assessment and Reclamation, Incident Reporting, Taxation Issues and one of the most well-attended - Cannabis in the Workplace - presented by David Hammermeister, CPA, CA of Estevan's MNP LLP.
Hammermeister gave an overview of the upcoming legalization of cannabis as it affects human resources departments and reminded his audience that “It's not decriminalization, but legalization.”
He stated that safety in the workplace for all employees as well as “just plain common sense” should guide HR departments when drafting new rules. However, he also stated that legal considerations involve more than one level of government as well as: health and safety issues, Human Rights Code issues, privacy issues, drug testing and employee obligations.
Hammermeister said that the oil and gas industry has a distinction to make with regards to the new legislation, stating: “Being impaired in an office environment might be different than being impaired behind a large piece of equipment.”
Even with the event's ongoing innovation, success and growth, LeNouail says the Redvers & District Oil Showcase has stayed true to its roots.
“We hold it every two years so that our show alternates with Weyburn's Oil Show,” he says. “Even though we've had people attend from as far away as Texas and Oklahoma - which we welcome - we've also always wanted to keep our show as a chance for the smaller operators to get into an industry-related trade show to showcase their wares.”
“We also want it to be a great boost to our community and to surrounding communities,” adds LeNouail. “We give back financially to communities in our area, whether it's giving them a chance to fundraise here at the show or by funding scholarships or more.”
“By supporting our industry, we also try and support our communities as much as we can.”
Christina Birch, Economic Development Officer for The Town of Redvers agrees, stating: “The Town of Redvers is excited to be a part of the Redvers Oil Showcase again this year. It's fantastic to see an event of this magnitude being held right here in our community. The committee deserves a lot of credit for all of the hard work that has gone into planning this year's event. The turnout has been really good and it has brought attendees from all over Western Canada and beyond.”
Planning for the 2020 edition of the Redvers & District Oil Show is already underway and volunteers are welcome. To learn more about this or other opportunities involving the event, visit: www.RedversOilShow.com.
