Exploration team

Martin BÊCHE, geophysicist, P. Geo., Ph.D. : Since June 2008, he has been in charge of geophysical projects involving the acquisition and interpretation of data and particularly seismic data. Mr. Bêche earned his Ph.D. in earth sciences in 2008 he completed a joint thesis on seismic imaging, crust architecture and the tectonic sedimentary evolution of the Gaspé Peninsula through Université Laval and France's Université de Cergy-Pontoise and IFP Énergies nouvelles. He also holds a graduate diploma in modeling and quantification of sedimentary basins from Université Paris-Sorbonne, as well as a master's degree in earth sciences from Université de Bretagne Occidentale. He is a member of Ordre des géologues du Québec. Mr. Bêche’s knowledge of several specialized fields, mathematics, and complementary methods is a tremendous asset to Pétrolia.

Daniel BRISEBOIS, geologist, P. Geo., Ph.D. : Since 2007, he is specialized in precision mapping and stratigraphic well analysis. His expertise also extends to establishing correlations between Haldimand and other well-known oil basins around the world. For 30 years he worked as a regional geologist for the Gaspésie region with Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune (MRNF), where he was primarily responsible for mapping Quebec's Paleozoic basins, namely in the Gaspé Peninsula, and particularly the Siluro-Devonian basin. He also conducted mapping programs in various Precambrian terrains in Quebec and completed a Ph.D. in geology at Université de Montréal on the stratigraphy of the Îles de la Madeleine. He is a member of Ordre des géologues du Québec. At Pétrolia, he is the resident expert in the geology of the Gaspé region, making him invaluable to both the company and the next generation of geologists.

Bernard GRANGER, chief geologist, P. Geo., M.Sc. : Working at Pétrolia since 2006, he has some 40 years of experience in oil and gas exploration. He holds a master's degree in geology from Université de Montréal and is a member of both Ordre des géologues du Québec and the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. He spent 20 years of his career working for SOQUIP where, among other things, he was chief geologist. He later held the same position at Parex, where he helped discover the massive oilfields of Terra Nova, South Tempest, and White Rose on the Grand Banks off Newfoundland. He subsequently served as chief geologist at Hydro-Québec Pétrole et gaz. Bernard Granger’s unflagging desire to keep up with the latest industry technologies and outstanding talent for simplifying complex concepts, along with his ability to motivate employees and initiate new projects, are all precious assets for Pétrolia.

Pierre HOULE, Eng., : Since September 2007, he supervises all drill-stem and production testing programs and is also responsible for monitoring production and field facilities. He began his career at Texaco Exploration Canada as a reservoir engineer, and later as a regional engineer for northern Alberta. In 1975, he joined SOQUIP, where he held a variety of operations and management positions and was responsible for operation of the Saint-Flavien natural gas deposit and for the Gaz Porté commercial division. He holds a bachelor of arts (1968) and a bachelor of applied sciences (chemical engineering) from Université Laval (1972). He is also a member of Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec. Pierre Houle’s extensive experience in the oil industry combined with his vast knowledge of standards governing partnership agreements are invaluable to Pétrolia.

Mabrouk OUEDERNI, project manager, Eng., P. Geo. : He is a petroleum engineer with expertise in petrophysics. Since November 2008, his work at Pétrolia has involved assessing and interpreting drilling data and coordinating field operations. His career has included stints as a geological engineer, head of monitoring for exploratory drilling (ETAP), consulting geologist, and operations geologist (MARETAP). Upon arriving in Canada, he worked as a development geologist for Calgary's Calvalley Petroleum. He holds a degree in geological engineering (mines) and a specialization in oil and gas exploration and development from the Petrochemical Institute in Baku, Azerbaijan. Ouederni is a member of Ordre des géologues du Québec and Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (as a junior engineer due to his recent arrival in Quebec). His experience on drilling sites and expertise in interpreting logs are key to Pétrolia’s success.

Stéphanie ROY, geologist and geochemist, P. Geo., Ph.D. : Working at Pétrolia since July 2010, she conducts geochemical surveys and is involved in assessing the potential of Anticosti Island and gaining a better understanding of the Gaspé Peninsula’s geology. After studying geology at UQAC (Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Canada), she focused on petroleum geochemistry at INRS-ETE, where she obtained both a master's and a Ph.D. After completing two successive internships at IFP (Institut Français du Pétrole), the institute offered her a chance to pursue post-graduate studies combining petroleum geochemistry, geology and modelling. Ms. Roy is a member of Ordre des géologues du Québec and is part of the younger generation of geologists at Pétrolia, which is benefiting from her in-depth expertise in organic geochemistry, geology, and modeling.

Jean-Louis TEURLAI, exploration manager, Eng., P. Geo. : He has been responsible for coordinating exploration and field operations since 2009. He has a wealth of international experience acquired during his 26-year career with Shell. After graduating as an engineer from the École Polytechnique de Paris, he spent five years at Compagnie Générale de Géophysique (CGG) as a specialist in geophysical operations. He is a member of Ordre des géologues du Québec and Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (as a junior engineer due to his recent arrival in Quebec). His versatility and experience in every facet of petroleum geology, as well as in technical and administrative management of exploration projects, are extremely valuable assets for Pétrolia.   

Administrative team

Lucie ALLARD, communication advisor : is a communications advisor and also oversees human resources, a function that will grow with the company. She joined Pétrolia in May 2010 as an executive assistant while pursuing her studies in industrial relations. She earned a bachelor's degree in international studies and modern languages, with a concentration in political science, from Université Laval in 2010. Her empathy, organizational skills, and enthusiasm are definite assets for Pétrolia.

Jean-François BELLEAU, director of public affairs : He joined Pétrolia in July 2012 and his role is to educate Quebec opinion leaders on oil projects. Mr. Belleau began his career as a policy advisor for the Quebec Federation of University Students (FEUQ). In 1998 he served as a researcher for the Official Opposition at Quebec’s National Assembly, followed by a position as political advisor to the minister of education. He then served as political advisor to the minister of employment and social solidarity (Michelle Courchesne), and remained in the minister’s office, rising to deputy chief of staff. Mr. Belleau has also held positions as director of research communications at the University of Ottawa and general manager of Association des garderies privées du Québec. He studied psychology at Université de Québec à Chicoutimi and is currently completing a master’s in public administration at the University of Ottawa. Pétrolia will benefit from Jean-François Belleau’s keen sense of strategy, negotiation skills, and vast network of contacts.

Julie LEMIEUX, accounting and administration : She has handled accounting and administrative duties at Pétrolia since February 2010, including the full accounting cycle, payroll, and preparation of financial statements. Prior to joining the company she spent a number of years with a consulting firm serving CSST’s prevention mutuals. Ms. Lemieux earned a technical diploma in telecommunications before opting for a career change and earning a second diploma in accounting in 1994. She brings over 15 years of professional experience to the table and is currently dividing her time between her work at Pétrolia and studies toward a certificate in financial accounting from TELUQ. Julie Lemieux is a dedicated, hardworking member of the Pétrolia team valued for her integrity, foresight, and positive attitude.

Maintenance

Hugo COUTURE, operations representative : Working at Pétrolia since summer 2010, he deals directly with the people of Gaspé on a daily basis. From the outset, his responsibilities have included drilling site maintenance and participating in field exploration work. He has enjoyed a stimulating career in residential, commercial, and industrial construction, and holds a diploma of vocational studies in plumbing and heating, which he obtained in 1999. His versatility and adaptability are extremely beneficial for Pétrolia.