Enbridge cuts jobs as company copes with energy downturn

Enbridge Inc. has cut 5 per cent of its work force – representing 500 full-time jobs and 100 unfilled positions – as the Calgary-based pipeline company copes with the severe downturn in the energy sector.

Its rival, TransCanada Corp., signalled that it, too, is getting set to announce more job cuts, adding to the gloom in the sector that has worsened as crude oil prices have been depressed for more than a year.

Enbridge, the largest transporter of Canadian crude oil to domestic and U.S. markets, said on Monday it made the job reductions in all its business units in Canada and the United States. Half the cuts are in Alberta.

“While Enbridge is more resilient to commodity price downturns than others, we’re not immune,” spokesman Graham White said in an e-mail.

The company is cutting costs to remain competitive and, despite the tough measures, it is on solid financial footing, Mr. White said.