The Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion project reached its completion this week.
Oil will begin flowing through the newly expanded pipeline mid-month at nearly triple the capacity of the previous Trans Mountain Pipeline.
Alberta’s Minister of Energy and Minerals and Fort McMurray—Lac la Biche Brian Jean says this will set up a new era of economic prosperity for the country, but specifically for Alberta.
“The project itself will bring billions upon billions of dollars in economic prosperity and will sustain many high-paying jobs right here in Alberta, which I’m excited about.”
Jean says this project allows Canada to sell oil to countries all over the world, whereas before, the country really only had one buyer.
“You can imagine what it would be like to sell your products only to one customer and how they would be able to dictate the price and the delivery,” Jean said. Now, with more clientele choices, we have the opportunity to get market price for our products – or at least push in that direction – and make sure that when they need oil in different jurisdictions, they can get it.”
RMWB Mayor Sandy Bowman is glad to see the Trans Mountain Pipeline project finally reach its completion. He says this could bring more economic activity to the region.
“I know we went through some years of boom and then economic downturns,” Bowman said. “Moving into this, it shows we’re open for business, and we have the infrastructure here in the community to support it from the last time we had a boom.”
Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Dianna De Sousa says what’s good for the oil industry is always good for the local business community.
“I think it’s fabulous that finally, our oil and gas industry can actually get better access to tidewater,” De Sousa said. “That helps a lot; even with the pricing margins of products, it actually helps get the product faster to market. There’s a lot of good things, and it’s a good day for the oil and gas sector.”
It took four years, $34 Billion, and federal intervention to complete. Jean concluded that this is a prime example of what can happen when the federal and provincial governments work together.
