Bankruptcy expert says more calls rolling in from Sask. oilpatch

A bankruptcy trustee in Regina is keeping busy fielding calls from Saskatchewan's oilpatch.

Brian Williams, with Cameron Okolita, said the increase in calls started in the last three months.

He said oilpatch work is always boom and bust, but this time has been especially difficult.

"This one has certainly been a lot more people out of work, laid off, and outright let go," Williams told CBC Saskatchewan's Blue Sky.

I'm a nice guy but not a lot of people want to be in my office.- Brian Williams, bankruptcy trustee

He said he's getting calls from Estevan, Weyburn, Swift Current, as well as Kindersley and Lloydminster.

Williams said so far, he's not seeing a marked increase in actual bankruptcy filings, but that could change.

"It's still early. People are seeking out options but they are holding out hope they can go back to work."

Williams says his office does financial counseling and advises people on how to plan for job loss and other unexpected events. He advises people to have six months of living expenses on hand, but he said that's not always feasible. Job loss, divorce, and illness can force people into bankruptcy.

He tells people to be careful with their credit and spend within their means, so they don't end up having to see him. 

"I'm a nice guy but not a lot of people want to be in my office."