On Oil by Don Gillmor | The Miramichi Reader

In his well-researched book, Don Gillmor takes us through the history of oil and gas and how it has shaped our modern world. He begins with his personal experience as a young student in the Alberta Tar sands, and his description of the zeitgeist of the time helps you understand that oil & gas are deeply embedded in the culture of petro states.

Gillmor’s tales take you from Calgary to Saudi Arabia, explaining some of the shelling and dealing done through the years to keep North America on the road. He describes how from the early days, deeply Christian people touted oil as a gift from god. Throughout the book, it seems that oil becomes a religion itself. The automobile has been a symbol of American freedom; it’s no wonder the people clinging to it describe themselves as Freedom Fighters.

Don Gillmor makes an interesting comparison with today’s society and the civilization that crumbled in Easter Island (where dueling groups used every last tree to make/transport giant statues). When they realized what they had done, it was too late. The soil was eroding and barren, and the people starved. A timely warning.

Throughout the book, it seems that oil becomes a religion itself.

Throughout the book are many examples of international conflicts Gillmor refers to as Oil Wars. Oil rich countries tend to use their precious commodity to control countries in need. There are also examples of provinces and countries using the funds gained to lower taxes … great for pocketbooks of citizens but bad for democracy (no taxation without representation; therefore little tax= little voice). Companies, with their big pockets, give to governments and become government.

Another warning about the power of oil is in his description of Equatorial Guinea, where a corrupt leader has taken the profits from the precious oil, spent it on fancy yachts and luxurious lifestyles for his pals, while the people starve and have little education and healthcare. It was interesting to me that in Alberta, profits from oil do not lead to investments in healthcare or education.

Don has some fun near the end of the book, comparing our epoch with end times, with Trump leading us towards our demise. He certainly warns us that should we keep worshipping at the Oil & Gas altar, our story won’t have a happy ending.

Don Gillmor is a journalist and former roughneck. He is the author of To the River, which won the Governor General’s Award for nonfiction. He is also the author of three novels, a two-volume history of Canada, and nine books for children. He was a senior editor at The Walrus, and his journalism has appeared in Rolling Stone, GQ, Saturday Night, Toronto Life, the Globe and Mail, and the Toronto Star. He has won twelve National Magazine Awards and numerous other honours. He lives in Toronto.

Publisher: Biblioasis (April 22, 2025)
Paperback: 4.3″ x 7.8″ | 112 pp
ISBN: 9781771966672

Dawn Mockler

Dawn is a multimedia artist best known for her cartoons drawn under the nom de plume, dawnymock. She was awarded the art award from Bathurst High School in 1984. She is a member of the Association of Canadian Cartoonists and CartoonStock.com. Her art has been included in Herné Bay Cartoon Fest, 1001 Visages in Val-David, Quebec, in Aislin’s book of favourite Covid cartoons, Vancouver Science World and in the Globe & Mail. Her art was exhibited at UNB's World Water Day. She has donated many drawings and paintings to local charities and school fundraisers. Her work is available on CartoonStock (dawnymock) and Twitter (@dawnymock). She lives in Fredericton, New Brunswick.