CAODC supports the Alberta government’s Preserving Canada's Economic Prosperity Act.

For Immediate Release: April 16, 2018

The Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors (CAODC) supports the Alberta government’s Preserving Canada's Economic Prosperity Act.

Today, the Alberta government introduced the Preserving Canada’s Economic Prosperity Act (the Act) in response to the continued and substantial delays in building the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMX). The TMX project received federal approval 18 months ago after an extensive initial review process and an additional consultation period imposed by the federal government in 2016.

The Act gives Alberta’s Minister of Energy the authority to, if necessary, require any company exporting energy products such as gasoline, jet fuel, crude oil and natural gas from Alberta to require a license. In so doing, the Minister may also subject licenses to restrictions on quantities, timeframes, and/or transportation methods.

“We are not pleased the situation has come to this,” explains CAODC President Mark Scholz, “however, after a substantial initial review, an additional review and consultation process implemented by the Liberal government in 2016, and final approval 18 months ago, enough is enough.”

In addition to the rigourous and extended application and review process, the Prime Minister launched a $1.5 billion national Oceans Protection Plan in November of 2016 to help assure British Columbians that the preservation of their pristine coastline is a priority for all Canadians, including those in the oil and gas industry. Moreover, Kinder Morgan has reported the TMX project has the support of 51 First Nations communities in both B.C. and Alberta as well as thousands of regular British Columbians, and the existing pipeline has an exceptional safety record, including no significant ocean spills of any kind.

"After thoroughly assessing all of the risks, the federal government has deemed this project safe and approved it in the national interest of Canada," states Scholz. “To continue stalling a project subject to this type of scrutiny in the name of ‘defending British Columbia’s coast’ is disingenuous. We support Premier Notley taking measures to hold the British Columbia government accountable for its delay tactics.” 
 
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For further information, please contact:
 
John Bayko, Vice President, Communications
Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors
Suite 2050, 717-7 Avenue SW Calgary, AB T2P 0Z3
Phone: (403) 264-4311
Email: jbayko@caodc.ca