Alberta supports Conservative MP David McKenzie’s Bill C-264 to repeal the federal Oil Tanker Moratorium Act and remove barriers preventing our responsibly produced energy from reaching global markets. Repealing the ban would open the door to crude-by-rail exports through Prince Rupert, giving Alberta another route to reach customers around the world. Our oil to the United States is selling at a significant discount at a disadvantage to the entire country. The only effective way to close that gap is to increase exports off our western coast and get more customers competing for our energy. For decades, limited access to tidewater has left Alberta heavily dependent on a single customer, putting our oil at a competitive disadvantage and reducing the value of our resources. The Trans Mountain Expansion has helped open new markets, particularly in Asia, but we need more pipelines and more access to tidewater. Pacific Link will help increase our export capacity, but we also need to remove the federal tanker ban to unlock opportunities through Prince Rupert. Global demand for energy continues to grow, and Alberta has the resources to help meet it. Alberta holds the fourth-largest proven oil reserves in the world, and developing those resources benefits all Canadians. They help fund hospitals, schools, critical infrastructure and social programs across the country, while creating long-term economic opportunities for Indigenous communities through investment and co-ownership in major projects. Canada cannot become a global energy superpower while federal policies continue to stand in the way of getting our energy to the world. Repealing the tanker ban is an important step toward securing better prices for our resources and building a stronger, more prosperous Canada.

This is a great headline to read. Excited to work with British Columbia's new government and Premier Lorne Doerkson @LDoerkson to make Pacific Link a priority. Alberta will continue to be strong neighbours with British Columbia and to champion the kind of free trade between provinces that makes Canada stronger.