1970s Becoming a Key Player

Like many other energy companies of the era, Husky grew and tested boundaries. It pursued a vigorous exploration and drilling program, with a focus on the Athabasca oil sands. Husky bought the marketing and refining assets of Union Oil Company, including the Prince George Refinery and 110 service stations. It also adopted a new look, with a new logo for the Company’s modern stations.

Among new exploration and assets, the Company began investigating proposals for an upgrading facility to complement its growing infrastructure and resources in Lloydminster. This led to the takeover by NOVA Corporation. It was forecast that Husky would develop into one of the strongest and most profitable Canadian-based oil companies.

Under new management, Husky transitioned to becoming primarily Canadian-owned-and-operated and in 1979, sales exceeded $1 billion for the first time, while earnings were up 43 percent.

  • Lloydminster Office
  • Prince George Refinery
  • Husky Service Station
  • Western Canada Drilling Rig
1971
  • Glenn Roark, President was appointed
    the Chief Executive Officer.
1973
  • Jim Neilson was appointed President.
  • Began exploration of Athabasca oil sands.
1976
  • Purchased marketing and refining assets of Union Oil Company of Canada, adding the Prince George Refinery and 110 service stations in Alberta and British Columbia.
1978
  • NOVA Corporation (formerly known as Alberta Gas Trunk Line) purchased a 48 percent interest of Husky, gaining control of the Company.
1979
  • L. Merrill Rasmussen was appointed President of the American company. S. Robert Blair became Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer.
  • NOVA purchased the 18.4 percent of Husky common shares owned or controlled by the Neilson family. This gave NOVA a majority interest in Husky. The remaining shares were publicly held.
  • Exceeded $1 billion in sales for the first time.