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CALGARY – St. Patrick’s Day turned into “bloody Tuesday” in Calgary as major companies Talisman Energy Inc. and Nexen Energy ULC — both recently acquired by foreign operators — axed hundreds of employees, adding to the surge of energy sector jobs cut as a result of low oil prices.

Talisman, the international oil and gas producer that has been purchased by Spain’s Repsol SA, said 10% to 15% of its employees and contractors would be laid off this week, or about 150 to 200 of 1,300 Calgary head-office jobs that support its global operations.

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“It’s a tough week, it’s a tough time for the industry, and the reality is that no oil and gas company is immune to low commodity prices,” said Brent Anderson, spokesman for Talisman.

Nexen, a subsidiary of China’s CNOOC Ltd., also announced 400 job cuts – 300 of them in Calgary. The job losses represent 14.5% of the company’s total Canadian head count.

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“A decision was made to conduct a thorough review of our organization to ensure our long-term viability and sustainability,” CEO Fang Zhi said in a statement. “While regrettable, these organizational changes are necessary to align the company with our reduced capital spending program. We take these decisions seriously, and all impacted employees have been treated fairly and with respect.”