Special Feature - Reg Allen

Reg joined Imperial Oil in November 1949, aged 17 as a junior clerk working in the mailroom at the Regional office on Water Street in Halifax. Reg married Joan in 1953 and together they raised five children.

It was an interesting time to become an employee. The credit card system was in its infancy and quickly advanced from a totally hand billed system to the high speed computers in use today. There were similar advances in all phases of Imperial’s accounting procedures and systems. Reg progressed through the Imperial organization and each new position saw him accepting greater responsibilities.

Reg remained with Imperial until December 31, 1984, at which time he resigned having been awarded a pre-retirement package. He then undertook a second career starting in January 2, 1985 as a member of the Board of Commissioners and General manager of the Workers Compensation Board of Nova Scotia. Reg retired from the Workers Compensation Board on July 31, 1992.

Reg states categorically that of the two positions that he started each working career (mailroom clerk and Workers Compensation General manager) he strongly recommends the latter!

Reg, who has a passionate interest in his community, was a natural for volunteer work in many areas. He was and continues to be sought after for many positions such as Director of the local Lions Club, member of the executive of his Homeowners and Ratepayers Associations as well as serving on many Parish Church committees.

The experience Reg gained in volunteer work made him a natural candidate for public office. In 1965 at the relatively young age of 32 he was elected to the Halifax County Council. His constituency must have been pleased with his work as he ran unopposed in the 1967 election! He was also elected the chairman of the Council’s Finance committee. This was quite a feat for such a young person to be given that responsibility.

In 1968 the Public Utility Board ordered that the area that Reg represented should be amalgamated into the city of Halifax. Reg sought the position of alderman and was elected. Following the election the new city council elected him to be Deputy Mayor for 1969. Reg has jokingly been able to tell folk that he lived in the city only four days and he was elected deputy mayor!

After serving seven hectic years on two city councils, sometimes working 80 hour weeks, Reg decided not to contest the election of 1971. It should be explained that Imperial was very supportive of his efforts in Council, however the unwritten agreement was that he would first fulfill his time obligations with respect to job responsibilities. That meant early hours, late nights and weekend work depending on work loads at both places.

Reg is now retired from his volunteer positions. He enjoys gardening furniture refinishing and spending time with his family which includes ten grandchildren