Alberta Energy Exports Face Threat from Trade War Measures

Alberta's energy investment is under threat, but not from the upcoming independence referendum. Instead, politicians are openly discussing imposing an excise tax on Alberta's energy exports as part of a trade war with the US.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford suggested using Alberta oil to 'put pain on the U.S' while former Alberta premier Jason Kenney says export taxes on oil and natural gas should remain on the table. Meanwhile, Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi criticized Premier Danielle Smith for refusing to use energy exports as leverage.

An export tax would immediately raise costs, reduce returns for producers, and tell investors that Alberta's largest industry could be sacrificed during Ottawa's next political fight. This is a more tangible investment risk than allowing Albertans to cast a ballot in the referendum.