This statement is attributable to Deborah Yedlin, President & CEO at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce
“The Calgary Chamber welcomes the Government of Canada’s decision to designate Pacific Link as a project of national interest. This is critical to Canadian energy security, underscores the value of energy to the Canadian economy, and is an important signal that we can build major projects in this country. Pacific Link moving up to an additional one million barrels of Canadian oil per day to the West Coast expands access to emerging global markets and strengthens Canada’s economy.
“The economic opportunity is significant. Pacific Link is expected to create up to 140,000 jobs during construction and generate more than $20 billion in GDP annually once operational. While this hinges on our ability to increase production and fill the pipeline, the fact both the federal and provincial governments are at the table as owners gives producers the confidence and certainty needed to invest the capital required to significantly increase output.
For Canadian businesses, the opportunity extends well beyond the pipeline itself, supporting investment and strengthening supply chains across the country through efforts to source materials in Canada. However, being able to fully capitalize on this announcement – and the economic benefits that will be realized – will be tied to our ability to attract the labour needed to build the pipeline. This will require investment in growing our skilled workforce and must start as soon as possible.
“Moving Pacific Link forward from designation to construction will require governments, industry and communities, and Indigenous rights holders to work together. We are encouraged by the commitment to Indigenous participation from the outset, including a minimum 10 per cent ownership opportunity supported through federal and provincial Indigenous loan guarantee programs.
“Today’s decision also demonstrates what is possible when Alberta and Canada work together. Alberta’s energy resources are a national economic advantage – and Pacific Link provides an opportunity to translate that advantage into greater market access and economic growth. This project is a tangible example of what can be achieved when Alberta and Canada work together in the national interest.”
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About the Calgary Chamber of Commerce
The Calgary Chamber exists to empower our business community to advance a prosperous Calgary and Canada. As the convenor and catalyst for a vibrant, inclusive and prosperous business community, the Chamber works to build strength and resilience among its members and position Calgary as a magnet for talent, diversification and opportunity. As an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization founded in 1891, we build on our history to serve and advocate for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors across the city.
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