– The Canadian Chamber of Commerce helps shape public policy and decision-making to the benefit of businesses, communities and families across Canada with a network of over 450 chambers of commerce and boards of trade, representing 200,000 businesses.
CANADA – The Canadian Chamber of Commerce welcomes the recent decision by President Trump to conditionally approve the expansion of the Keystone XL pipeline. The project will increase trade between the two countries and strengthen economic ties.
“President Trump has relied on the scientific reports ordered by his predecessor to determine the safety of this project and has acted in the best interest of the American people. In doing so, he has also taken a decision which is positive for Canada. This project will create jobs and ensure Canadians receive the full value of our oil exports to the United States,” said the Hon. Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber. “This project also increases trade between our countries at a time when the relationship is fragile.”
The Keystone XL pipeline expansion will allow Western oil producers to send their product to be refined in the United States, easing transportation bottlenecks and reducing the possibility that Canadian oil is sold at a discount. The refined product may be shipped to other markets in addition to the United States.
“The decision means 4,500 direct jobs are created, mainly in construction, and many thousands of other people will benefit indirectly through supplier contracts,” adds Mr. Beatty. “The energy sector is an important customer for manufacturers in Ontario, engineering firms in Quebec and clean tech developers in BC.”
It should also be noted that in both 2011 and 2014, the US State Department released thorough environmental assessment reports, which concluded the pipeline would have a limited environmental impact and would actually produce less greenhouse gas than other methods of transport.
