The provincial government has awarded a contract to complete a feasibility study on new oil and gas pipelines.
The proposed pipelines would flow oil and gas from western Canada to refineries in southern Ontario.
The study will also look at the possibility of lines going to new ports on James Bay, Hudson Bay and the Great Lakes.
It will also evaluate other development opportunities, such as all-season roads to the Ring of Fire mining area, mineral exports, hydro transmission grid upgrades and a strategic petroleum reserve.
“This nation-building pipeline and energy corridor will unite our country and help unlock new markets for Canada’s energy resources that will reduce our dependence on the United States, all while creating new jobs and opportunities for Canadian workers from coast to coast to coast,” states Premier Doug Ford in a release.
Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan signed agreements this summer to consider the project.
“Access to domestic and international markets is critical for Saskatchewan’s export-oriented economy,” states Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe.
“An East-West energy corridor is important for our province and for all Canadians, driving economic growth and delivering responsibly produced Canadian energy products to new markets.”
“Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan are proving what’s possible when provinces lead and stand together to advance a shared vision of responsible development, economic freedom and common sense,” states Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.
“That means standing up for our energy sector and ensuring our world-class resources reach the markets that need them, so Canadians can prosper from the opportunities we create here at home.”
A final report is expected to be issued sometime next year.
