Proposed Northern Shield pipeline good news for Saskatchewan, province says

The Saskatchewan government says plans to build an oil pipeline from Alberta to Ontario is positive for the province and Canada.

The recent announcement of a proposed 3,300-kilometre-long pipeline is a good thing for both Canada and Saskatchewan, says the province.

The Northern Shield pipeline proposal is set to pass through Saskatchewan, creating the potential for numerous manufacturing jobs in Regina, as Interpro Pipe and Steel is the only plant in Canada capable of producing large diameter pipe.

The multi-billion proposal was announced earlier this week by the premiers of Alberta and Ontario.

“By connecting Alberta’s energy with Canadian refineries and European markets, we can create jobs, from our economy and make the most out of the world class resources that we have been blessed with,” Premier Danielle Smith said.

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The pipeline would have a capacity to move 500,000 barrels of crude per day from Hardisty, Alta. to refineries in Sarnia, Ont. along a route that crosses Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

It does not have private sector backing as of yet.

“We’ll reach out to the private sector, but we won’t hesitate to do what the Government of Canada and Alberta’s doing,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford told reporters.

Saskatchewan is welcoming the pipeline proposal.

“The Government of Saskatchewan will continue to support major projects that strengthen our energy security and foster economic growth across Canada,” the province said in a written statement.

“Premier Scott Moe met with the other premiers in Calgary but was not present for the announcement.”

Saskatchewan NDP leader Carla Beck criticized Moe not attending the announcement.

“My first thought was conspicuous the absence of our premier in this announcement,” she told reporters on Tuesday.

While Saskatchewan is on board with the pipeline proposal, Manitoba’s NDP government is not. It’s concerned that Indigenous groups were not consulted first.

Ontario is working with Indigenous groups to win their support.