CAODC Reacts to the National Energy Board (NEB) Decision on the Trans Mountain Expansion Project.

For Immediate Release: May 20, 2016

Yesterday, the National Energy Board (NEB) recommended the federal government approve the $6.8-billion Trans Mountain Expansion Project. The Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors (CAODC) is supportive of the recommendation and implores the federal government to act quickly so oil families can get back to work and Canadians can get full value for their resources.

The Trans Mountain pipeline will ensure responsibly produced Canadian oil has access to broad international markets. Mark Scholz, President of the CAODC explains, "We have an opportunity to share Canadian values with the world. The most environmentally responsible oil should have access to international markets to compete head-on against oil from countries with lower environmental, safety and human rights standards. At a time when 110,000 oil workers are without jobs this is an opportunity for the Prime Minister to take real action for long-term economic success and directly support oil families."

However, CAODC was disappointed with the introduction of another review panel by the federal government prior to making a decision. The additional review panel is unnecessary, delays an important national infrastructure project, and creates further uncertainty for future investment in Canada’s energy industry. "The existing NEB review has encompassed a robust and comprehensive stakeholder consultation and environmental impact assessment. We need the federal government to get behind our national regulatory institution which is the best in the world," says Scholz.

"When can we expect the federal government to champion the Canadian oil and gas industry and commit to getting shovels in the ground on this project? The federal government needs to send a strong signal to the investment community and struggling resource workers that Canada is open for business. It can do this by expeditiously approving the Trans Mountain Expansion Project but we need federal leadership to make this happen," concludes Scholz.

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For more information, 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 ext. 120
Email: jbayko@caodc.ca