The Challenges Facing New Pipeline Projects In Québec

With little possibility for additional western and southern pipeline expansion, some in the Canadian oil industry, as well as economists and commentators, are once again looking to eastern Canada. This post looks at the prospects for new pipeline projects in Québec.

For and Against

Recently the Montreal Economic Institute, a centre-right think tank, published a piece advocating a rethink of Canada's pipeline strategy by emphasizing the role of new pipelines, considered the greenest and safest way to transport oil.

The economic case for increasing oil exports from Canada is compelling when viewed in a global context. World oil consumption is expected to grow for a few more decades before eventually diminishing, leaving much of the world reserves stranded and much reduced in value. There is also the national security case for reducing imports from the U.S. Recent history has shown that the U.S., when confronted with an emergency, will typically prefer