Commentary
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith have been maintaining delicate balancing acts with factions within their support bases. Carney needs to spur economic development while keeping those advocating for climate policies in his party content. Smith must show some progress in negotiating a pipeline to the coast with the federal government, while keeping secessionist elements in her party satisfied. The dog’s breakfast of a pipeline proposal announced by the leaders in Calgary on July 2 reflects the effort to find compromises.
Opponents to the expansion of coastal oil pipeline infrastructure have long pointed to the lack of private interest in participating in a new line as a reason to drop the concept. Supporters of pipeline construction have noted that private companies want in, but only if the regulatory regime is reformed….