Fort McMurray is the “Oilsands Capital of the World.” It’s the destination for workers from Newfoundland and Labrador seeking their fortune in Alberta’s boom economy. But these newfound riches are creating a dilemma: back home the workers are scarce, community life is drained of its volunteer leaders, and family life is curtailed by absentee moms and dads. Here are the poignant and true stories of the province’s migrant workers – their dramatic successes and failures as they learn to live in two provinces a world apart.

Born in Springdale and raised in Rattling Brook, Green Bay, Randy Edison made that area of Newfoundland and Labrador home for nearly all of his 46 years. The only exception is a two-year stint in Fort McMurray, Alberta where he managed the lead economic and business development agency in the fastest-growing economy in the country. Before the move to Alberta he worked in the community newspaper business in his hometown for 20 years, the majority as Editor/Manager. While in that role he received national and regional acclaim for news and feature writing as well as editorial and sports commentary. He also earned national awards for feature photography. His works have also been published in regional magazines such as the Atlantic Journal and the Business Journal. His first book, Adventures At Wolf Bay, which he self-published in 1997 captured the flavour of life in his hometown nearly one hundred years ago and its release coincided with the centennial celebrations in Springdale. The collection of ”somewhat fictional“ short stories reflected on the struggles and joys of growing up in a new and growing town on Newfoundland’s northeast coast. He has also written a dinner theatre play focused on the history of Springdale. Randy returned to live in Springdale in 2008 with his fiancée, Kori Ford, and stepdaughter. He currently sells real estate and is a freelance writer. His daughter and son-in law as well as the loves of his life, grandsons Brett and Blake, reside in nearby Grand Falls-Windsor. His extensive community activist involvement includes stints with: the local and provincial chamber of commerce; regional school board; the Community Youth Network; the Strategic Social Plan Steering Committee; the Royal Canadian Legion and the local Community Health Advisory Committee. In 2005 he was recognized for individual leadership in economic development.

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