While the oil and gas industry grapples with the continuing fallout of coronavirus, companies are nonetheless finding ways to support community and government efforts in dealing with the pandemic.

In support of national efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, for example, Suncor Energy Inc. donated 40,000 N95 masks to the Canadian federal government, the company announced on its Facebook page.

According to the post, the government identified communities in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and Yukon as critically needing these supplies. Therefore, Suncor distributed the masks to the communities. The post says: “It is our honour to be able to play our part alongside all Canadians in caring for each other through these challenging times.”

Irving Oil Limited is retooling its New Brunswick blending and packaging facility, adding hand sanitizer to the production line. The privately-owned energy and marketing company stated in a recent Twitter message: “We’re inspired by the healthcare teams who are working hard to help sick people get well.”

Also, Calgary-based Fluid Energy Group Ltd., which develops and manufactures advanced chemical systems with offshore, upstream and processing applications, has rapidly pivoted its operations to produce hand sanitizer and associated patent-pending disinfectant chemistry under its ‘Triton’ cleaning products brand.

Both Irving and Fluid Energy are examples of Canadian businesses and manufacturers with signed procurement agreements to help the federal government deliver critical health supplies and fight the COVID‑19 pandemic.

On a similar note, Shell Canada Limited is donating 125,000 litres of isopropyl alcohol — a key component of hand sanitizer — to the Government of Canada, free of charge. Shell’s donation is enough to create nearly one million 12-ounce bottles of hand sanitizer for use in hospitals and medical facilities.

“We are also finding other ways to give back to Canadians during this pandemic,” Michael Crothers, president and country chair for Shell Canada, stated in a message on the firm’s website. “In close to 15,000 Shell gas stations across more than 30 countries, including sites across Canada, we’re providing free food and beverages to healthcare professionals, such as nurses and doctors, who are working tirelessly on the front lines of this pandemic.”

The company also launched the #FuellingKindness campaign with its employees and retirees, where Shell matches contributions up to $100,000 to support Canada’s food banks. Likewise, electricity provider FortisAlberta Inc. donated $50,000 to Food Banks Alberta, which is a provincial association supporting 95 local food banks.

AltaGas Ltd. has donated $1 million to help community partners in its operating regions respond to COVID-19. The assistance funds, provided by AltaGas, will be distributed to partner organizations on the frontlines supporting local communities and providing critical support to healthcare workers addressing the current health crisis.

“We are committed to doing everything we can to support the communities and those on the frontlines during this unsettled and difficult time,” said Randy Crawford, president and chief executive officer. “We will be there for our communities throughout this crisis because we are all in this together.”

As a company with 2,800-plus employees across North America, AltaGas has responded to numerous crises over the years, the CEO stated in a news release, and COVID-19 is immediately and significantly impacting many people. “When it ultimately ends, we will all move forward together and be stronger than ever.”

Meanwhile, TC Energy Corporation launched the ‘TC Energy Giving Portal’ to support the vulnerable within North American communities where the company operates. Through the portal, TC will match donations at 100 per cent up to $500,000. The company is also supporting relief and responses to the pandemic.

“Now more than ever is the time for us to be there for our communities,” Patrick Keys, executive vice-president, stakeholder relations and general counsel, said in a TC website post. “As good people and good neighbours, we can support the organizations that are both helping on the front lines and filling a food security need across the continent.”

LNG Canada has committed $500,000 to support COVID-19 community responses in both Kitimat and Terrace. The contribution will support priorities set-out by Northern Health, First Nations and community stakeholders.

Half of the funds go to Northern Health for equipment procurement and deployment, as well as other healthcare responses in Kitimat and Terrace and nearby Indigenous communities. The balance of funds or in-kind contributions support hospitals, Indigenous communities, frontline workers and local service groups.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is putting tremendous stress on our communities and we’re hoping our contribution today will assist in collective efforts to protect people through prevention and care,” Peter Zebedee, CEO of LNG Canada, stated in a recent news release.

In Calgary, Sprung Instant Structures Inc., whose tensioned fabric structures the energy sector uses as natural gas storage facilities, gas compressor station construction, on-site warehousing, gymnasiums, lunch tents, as well as other oilfield buildings, donated a temporary structure to add more care spaces at the Peter Lougheed Centre.

CEC helps truckers; uses its platform

Oil and gas advocacy group Canada’s Energy Citizens (CEC) has been encouraging members to donate blood during the COVID-19 crisis. Also, last week, the organization co-hosted a #ThankATrucker event in Prince George, B.C., helping to provide meals for area truckdrivers.

“Just given everything that’s been going on with the COVID-19 pandemic, we were trying to find some ways we could help out,” said Jarret Coels, manager of strategic communications at the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) who is responsible for CEC. He told the Bulletin the B.C. Trucking Association actually reached out to the advocacy group regarding the event.

Utilizing a Smokey J’s food truck, organizers offered 100 meals to truckdrivers who provide an essential service, continuing to haul and deliver key freight during the pandemic. For an oil and gas advocacy group to support truckers simply makes sense, Coels said, given the interconnected nature of energy and transportation. “All of the meals were free. You just had to provide your commercial driver’s licence.”

According to Coels, CEC also encourages its supporters to observe public health protocols. The group is using its platform to promote proper handwashing during the pandemic, for example. Canadians from all economic sectors are “stepping up” through the ongoing healthcare crisis, he added.

“Through [CEC], we’ve developed a pretty powerful communications tool with our Facebook and email following. And so, we encouraged all [supporters] in different regions to go and donate to their local foodbanks, as well as donate blood, because there were some concerns raised by organizations that they were lacking donations.”