TransCanada seeks commitments to ship Alberta oil to Quebec, New Brunswick
Posted Apr 2, 2013 10:52 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
CALGARY – TransCanada is trying to determine whether there is enough interest in its proposal to convert its existing natural gas pipeline and ship oil from Alberta as far east as New Brunswick.
The Calgary-based energy company announced today that it is seeking firm commitments from parties interested in the idea.
The project would see oil transported along an existing pipeline into Quebec, and possibly extending that line into Saint John, New Brunswick.
Federal Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver, who has expressed support for the project, says TransCanada’s announcement is an encouraging step forward.
Oliver says the government would like to see Canada less reliant on foreign oil, adding that TransCanada’s project would create jobs.
If it were to proceed, the Energy East Pipeline project would involve converting an existing 3,000-kilometre natural gas pipeline so that it could carry crude into Quebec.
A 1,400-kilometre extension into Saint John, where Irving Oil has a refinery, has also been proposed.
TransCanada has yet to file necessary regulatory applications.
The company says it will wait until it determines over the next two months whether there is enough interest in the project before proceeding with those applications.
