Helping Alberta's Oil Reach the World

It seems that B.C. Premier Christy Clark, safely re-elected with a majority government, has seen the oil-powered light. Where once she had taken a hard line on the notion of Alberta’s petroleum crossing her province’s territory en route to Asian markets, Ms. Clark’s government is now focused on how to “get to yes” with Alberta. The issue, of course, is pipelines. As Alberta’s oil production grows, it becomes harder to get all of it into the region’s already-overtaxed pipeline network. And so Alberta’s land-locked oil sells at a discount below world rates, because purchasers know that its selling options are limited. This is costing Alberta, and Canada, billions. The proposed Keystone XL pipeline, which would take Alberta oil south to U.S. refineries, is caught up in regulatory consideration, awaiting a yay or nay from U.S. President Barack Obama. Pipelines to eastern Canadian ports are being considered for construction or retrofitting, but face local opposition. And the proposed Northern Gateway pipeline, which would run from near Edmonton to the B.C. coast, received a very cool reception from British Columbia.