downturn of 2015

[blackpowder]

Well, I've done a little of both. I suspect the loudest on here might not have.
You can find overspending and waste everywhere.
Still wonder if we pay more than at the pump than down south because of taxes.

[sumdumguy]

Helmsdale, those that have never punched a clock and never were the brunt of bad bosses talk it up, but I agree. I've been on both sides of the fence. But, you've got to admit, in the last few years you've seen more young guys spending like drunken sailors. Think they banked any of their living expense, tax-free stipends? Every small town in Eastern Saskatchewan and probably everywhere else can show you the big new homes, the extra-long 3/4 tons, the new campers. The thing about all commodities is that the price cycles. Have you seen the spot price of gold today? Nerdy as it sounds, you have to sock it away when you can. Sorry BreadWinner, that's my experience.

[Horse]

Klause Ihave been there and for $1.25/ hr and none of this safety shit you have now. Ever been down a rat hole 25ft deep with a stick of dynamite in your pocket and no liner on the hole . Would it be any warmer or earler in the day if you was getting $50/hr . A dirty job is a dirty job no matter what the pay is. We all have to live and for some to make twice as much as the rest is hard to justify . How about the guy with his arm up to armpit in a cows ass at 3am while some teen is gettig $35 sitting in a warm pickup driving from well to well with some one else supplying truck and fuel . PS did anyone ever get extra for middle of the night calves, or more for tough grain . I defy anyone in the oil patch to justify thier wages compared to other jobs. And we all pay as the royalties are paid after expences.

[foragefarmer]

Hemsdale

Very valid points.

Speaking for myself I had a job while farming in order to make ends meet in the beginning. But keep one thing in mind that if you can not see the future of your farm being able to survive on it's own. Do not spend good money after bad.

Parsley

Drove down highway eight in October south of Redvers, didn't see any tax dollars being spent on that highway.Even if it a Provincial highway. Many of the secondary roads were nothing to brag about either. By the way thanks for singling me out from all the other posters talking about the cons of big oil. I feel very honor that my post caught your attention?

[Hopperbin]

Farmers that have to make a living off their farm and not oil are happy with the dollar. I am happy. Grains is a little removed from the oil and metals thus time In My opinion. Making us beneficiaries of the lower dollar.

[helmsdale]

Some of the price premium is taxes, but have also heard the argument that fuel prices now have comparatively more to do with the price and availability of things such as biodiesel and ethanol, (needed to meet gov't blending mandates) or hydrogen (needed to meet gov't sulphur content regulations) than with the base components. We have been close to the US at times over the last few years, but if you take out the gst, the road tax, and convert to $US/g we aren't even in the running. http://americamovesbytruck.com/fuelpriceindex.php?view=all

[phoenix64]

Horse, did anyone hold a gun to your head to put up with cattle or growing grain? If the oilfield was so great you could have stayed and made a career of it. Can't be jealous of a person going out and making all the money he/she can and spending on whatever they want, free country. If they aren't saving wisely and building equity they will create opportunities for others waiting in the bushes when commodity corrections happen. Seen three oil busts in my lifetime.

[sumdumguy]

Except when they use that new found wealth to take on unmanageable debt when the economy corrects. That's what parents worry about.

[ado089]

Parsley, I'm flattered that you still have an obsessive crush on me. Markets and economies, like the seasons come and go. It's how systems flush out the weak and wasteful and how shoots of innovation and efficiency develop. It's not good or bad, it just is. Deal with it.

[Horse]

Phenox64 Does that make it right that the say politisions can pay off thier backers and friends with our tax dollars , we allow it to happen so I guess it is alright. Just taking what the rules allow!!