Alberta’s heavy oil sector stays resilient despite higher carbon taxes and tighter decarbonisation rules. With Venezuelan oilsand output falling, Alberta’s in situ extraction remains a strong substitute for U.S. Gulf Coast demand, keeping sales steady – for now. The article argues there’s no immediate cause for panic, but warns against pipeline delays and policy lag.
The promised West‑Coast oil pipeline could become a “pipe dream” if Ottawa’s regulatory hurdles and carbon‑tax conditions stall progress. While Alberta’s premier celebrates a new federal memorandum of understanding that would allow a million‑barrel‑per‑day line and TMX expansion, lingering policy demands risk turning the project into a costly political symbol rather than a revenue engine.
As global climate policies escalate, backlash grows. With countries withdrawing from the Paris Accord and Canada advancing net-zero mandates – from digital taxes to home energy audits – concerns are rising about economic impact and government overreach. Is climate policy becoming more about control than conservation?
