Premier Jason Kenney. (Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

Construction begins on Alberta section of Keystone XL pipeline

Jul 3, 2020 | 11:06 AM

OYEN, AB – Around 2,000 construction workers are on-site for the start of construction on the Keystone XL pipeline.

Premier Jason Kenney spoke in Oyen Friday morning, the starting point for the Alberta section.

“After more than a decade of dogged determination and perseverance, stringent environmental review, collaboration with landowners and lawmakers, and some good old fashioned blood, sweat, and tears, we are here, at long last, kicking off construction of the Alberta spread of the Keystone XL pipeline project.

TC Energy and contractor Michels Canada will build a 269 km section of the expanded pipeline from Oyen to Hardisty, shipping out as many as 830,000 barrels of oil per day.

Including the construction workers and employees directly impacted by the pipeline as well as those indirectly affected, it is estimated that as many as 17,500 jobs will be supported.

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Kenney says, in its first year of service, Keystone XL will contribute $2.5-billion to Canda’s economy and will generate $7-million in property taxes. By the end of its lifetime, the project will generate $30-billion in taxes and royalties.

“When complete, this project will be a major part of our energy sector’s continuing success and a pillar of Alberta’s and Canada’s economic recovery post-COVID. Make no mistake, the energy industry is the lifeblood of our provincial and our national economies.”

Following Kenney’s remarks, Richard Pryor with TC Energy shared his excitement about the beginning of construction.

“This project will secure our market for our Canadian oil, reducing U.S. reliance on nations that do not share our environmental stewardship and our social values. As Albertans, we cannot overstate the positive impact the construction of Keystone XL will have for the economy of our province, the financial security of Alberta families, and our standard of life.”

Pryor assured that they are working with Alberta Health and their unions to ensure construction can be carried out in a safe manner in the wake of COVID-19 restrictions.