**Imperial Oil Announces Major Layoffs, Shifts Strategy** On September 29, employees at Imperial Oil Ltd. received an email announcing an all-hands meeting that would reveal significant changes within the company. The meeting, scheduled for later that day, left staff with two hours to anticipate life-altering news. During the meeting, CEO John Whelan disclosed that Imperial would be selling its Calgary headquarters and cutting approximately 900 jobs, primarily in Calgary. Some positions will be relocated to Houston, Texas, or outsourced overseas. The restructuring is expected to be completed by the end of 2028, with most remaining Alberta employees moving to the company’s refinery in Edmonton. An employee, who requested anonymity due to fear of reprisal, noted that while rumors of layoffs had circulated for weeks, the extent of the cuts was unexpected. "I don’t think we anticipated quite how drastic it was," the worker said. The meeting room was filled to capacity, with employees listening intently as Whelan outlined the company’s values and the need for difficult decisions to maintain competitiveness. The atmosphere was described as "completely silent," with no opportunity for questions. Many employees have dedicated decades to the company, fostering a strong sense of community. The worker expressed the emotional toll of the announcement, stating, "To be told that your role is potentially disappearing after you’ve invested so much of yourself... it was devastating." Another employee remarked, "Imperial prided itself as a company that was for life." Imperial Oil, established in 1880, has a long history in Canada, including opening the nation’s first service station. The company moved its headquarters from Toronto to Calgary in 2004, and the current campus opened in 2014. After the meeting, employees left with many unanswered questions. The worker shared concerns about their financial stability, as both they and their spouse work at Imperial. "We have two pensions tied to the company, two incomes tied to the company, two savings plans tied to the company," they said. News of the layoffs spread quickly, with discussions on social media platforms. Imperial and its majority owner, Exxon Mobil Corp., later confirmed the details. The layoffs are part of a broader restructuring at Exxon Mobil, which plans to eliminate 2,000 jobs globally. Exxon Mobil CEO Darren Woods stated in an internal memo that consolidating operations would enhance the company’s competitive edge. The oil and gas industry has faced increasing pressure to cut costs, with Canadian oil prices remaining low. Imperial, which reported a profit of $4.7 billion last year, anticipates that the layoffs will reduce expenses by $150 million annually starting in 2028. Whelan acknowledged the challenges ahead for employees and their families, stating, "We are fully committed to supporting you through this transition." As part of the transition, Imperial plans to survey Calgary staff about their willingness to relocate. Final decisions regarding employee relocations are expected by early next year. Those not selected for positions in the new structure will be eligible for severance. The worker expressed reluctance to leave Calgary and is actively seeking new job opportunities. "I’m knocking on doors. I’m calling in networking favors. I’m trying to see what else is out there for me, such that at least one of us can get some stability," they said.