Canadian Chamber of Commerce : Keystone XL Decision Strengthens Canada-U.S. Relations, Says Canadian Chamber

Ottawa, January 24, 2017-The Canadian Chamber of Commerce welcomes today's decision by President Trump to conditionally approve the expansion of the Keystone XL pipeline. The project will increase trade between the two countries and strengthen economic ties.

'President Trump has relied on the scientific reports ordered by his predecessor to determine the safety of this project and has acted in the best interest of the American people. In doing so, he has also taken a decision which is positive for Canada. This project will create jobs and ensure Canadians receive the full value of our oil exports to the United States,' said the Hon. Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. 'This project also increases trade between our countries at a time when the relationship is fragile.'

'Our national network of 450 and chambers of commerce and boards of trade has been vocal in their support for building infrastructure to ensure Canadians maximize the value of our natural resources. The Keystone XL expansion will responsibly support the competitiveness of Canada's economy.'

The Keystone XL pipeline expansion will allow Western oil producers to send their product to be refined in the United States, easing transportation bottlenecks and reducing the possibility that Canadian oil is sold at a discount. The refined product may be shipped to other markets in addition to the United States.

'This pipeline is an important part of getting our product to market. It does not mean Canadians can be complacent about the need to build other pipelines that will allow us to diversify markets and maximize the return of energy trade to Canadians, however.'

'Today's decision means 4,500 direct jobs are created, mainly in construction, and many thousands of other people will benefit indirectly through supplier contracts. The energy sector is an important customer for manufacturers in Ontario, engineering firms in Quebec and clean tech developers in B.C.,' said Mr. Beatty.

It should also be noted that in both 2011 and 2014, the U.S. State Department released thorough environmental assessment reports, which concluded the pipeline would have a limited environmental impact and would actually produce less greenhouse gas than other methods of transport.

'This project is positive for Canada and the United States, and we have every confidence TransCanada can work with local communities, First Nations and governments on both sides of the border to deliver a state-of-the-art pipeline that will conform to the highest standards of safety and environmental protection,' said Mr. Beatty.

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The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the vital connection between business and the federal government. It helps shape public policy and decision-making to the benefit of businesses, communities and families across Canada with a network of over 450 chambers of commerce and boards of trade, representing 200,000 businesses of all sizes in all sectors of the economy and in all regions. Follow us on Twitter @CdnChamberofCom

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Contact:

G. Will Dubreuil
Director, Public Affairs and Media Relations
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
613.797.1860
[e-mail]