EXPANDING the Trans Mountain Pipeline Will Benefit All Canadians

A message, during the Christmas Holiday Season, from Keep Canada Working

We all have a stake in getting the pipeline expanded. As citizens, we’ll benefit from the jobs and increased revenue it will bring. And as owners of the pipeline, we’ll profit from our investment. That’s why all Canadians need to work together to get it built. We can’t lose out on the jobs, profit and vital funding for roads, schools and hospitals.

As Canadian families gather over the holidays, discussions about current events are sure to follow. If your dinner conversation turns to the Trans Mountain Pipeline, here are answers to some common questions that you may find helpful. 

In General:

Expanding the pipeline will create billions in revenue for more jobs, roads, schools and hospitals across Canada ... and will help fund Canada’s transition to greener energy. The Trans Mountain Pipeline has been in place for over 60 years. Every day the expansion is delayed, Canada loses out on $80 million. That’s money that could be used to build more roads, schools and hospitals.

About the Expansion:

Most of the expansion will be along the existing route and beside things like roads, telecommunications and power lines.

Only 11% of the pipeline route will be new.

Concerned About Safety?

Pipelines are the safest, cheapest and greenest way of moving oil to market. When there isn't enough pipeline capacity, oil from Alberta has to be shipped by more expensive, less efficient and less environmentally-friendly means, such as rail cars or trucks. 

The Trans Mountain Pipeline terminal has never had a single spill, and current safety measures ensure Canada’s coastal waters are well protected. Additionally, new safety measures will raise the level of safety to well above already high global shipping standards.

Protecting the Environment:

Pipelines are the greenest way to get oil to market; additionally, the expansion...

... will generate revenues for programs that move Canada closer to a greener economy.

And with the pipeline expansion, there will be additional monies available to help pay for developing alternative energy sources ... as well as more sustainable oil and gas industry practices. 

And Finally:

Refineries in Alberta, BC and Saskatchewan provide most of the refined products, such as fuel, used in Western Canada.  Even when we refine more products at home, we still need pipelines to get to market.

Pipelines have the smallest emissions footprint ...up to 77% less greenhouse gas emissions than transporting oil by train.  If no new pipelines are built, oil exports by rail will increase by 1.2 million barrels per day, constraining Canada's transport capacity for other products like grain or manufactured goods.

The health and strength of Canada’s economy depends on the expansion of the Trans Mountain Pipeline – and Canadians know it. That’s why individuals, businesses and communities from coast to coast are joining in solidarity to make sure this pipeline gets built.