Canada's 'Energy Superpower' Pipeline Stalled by Red Tape

Alberta and Ottawa have designated a proposed West Coast oil pipeline a project of national interest, but critics say it's just a plan without any real progress. The Pathways project, one of the largest carbon capture and storage projects in the world, was touted by Prime Minister Mark Carney as a step towards making Canada an 'energy superpower.' However, Sheila Gunn Reid argues that no one is asking for this kind of project, which will supposedly cut 16 million tonnes of emissions per year, create 40,000 jobs, and add over $16 billion to GDP.

Pembina Pipeline is only taking on a 10% stake in the project, mostly for consulting work. Critics point out that no private-sector builder has committed to the project, and it's heavily reliant on government funding. Tamara Ugolini noted that Ottawa's 'green zealot' demands have scared off potential private investors, leaving taxpayers to foot the bill.

Sheila compared Canada's restrictive energy policies to those in the United States, where an energy renaissance is underway due to a lack of comparable restrictions. She described Alberta's situation as 'clown town,' where the government is begging for permission and promising to pay for it themselves.