Many small business owners in Drayton Valley, Alberta, primarily connected to the oil industry, have united under the “Suits and Boots” initiative. They have written to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, inviting him to engage in a candid, non-partisan discussion about the challenges the local economy faces, especially the adverse impacts of the plummeting prices of Western Canadian Select oil. The community members express their concerns about the closure of businesses, people relocating, and the distressing disintegration of families, highlighting a sense of fading hope in the region.
These business leaders acknowledge the situation’s complexity, particularly Canada’s insufficient pipeline capacity, while understanding the limits of potential solutions. They are seeking an opportunity to meet with the Prime Minister for an informal conversation in Drayton Valley. Their goal is to focus on actionable, collaborative solutions to address the urgent needs of their families, community, and province.
Rick Peterson, the director of Suits and Boots, has indicated a positive response to their campaign, emphasizing its grassroots nature. The group advocates for a more direct approach to address these issues, emphasizing the value of personal interaction over public demonstrations. This approach has gained some traction, as indicated by a response from the Prime Minister’s Office, which the group has welcomed as a promising sign of engagement.