The Yes to TMX campaign is an Alberta Government initiative. The TMX pipeline is supported by Canadians—including industry and First Nations—across the country

Alberta Energy Minister Sonya Savage in a media scrum

Last Thursday (May 30^th) Energy Minister Sonya Savage announced the start of the Vancouver campaign, which tells British Columbians how they, and all Canadians, will benefit from the project.

This follows the launch of the Ottawa “Yes to TMX” campaign the day before.

“Alberta’s prosperity fuels Canada’s prosperity. Canadians –including British Columbians – rely on the well-paying jobs and economic growth our energy resources provide.

The people of BC say yes to TMX, and it is time their Premier did, too. Supporting TMX is a vote for economic growth and national unity, and is a critical milestone for Canada’s energy sectors”, stated Sonya Savage, Minister of Energy

In asking a spokesperson from the Ministry of Energy, about whether or not the Alberta government would be working in a partnership with pro-resource / Trans Mountain Pipeline groups, I was told:

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney

“The Yes to TMX campaign is an Alberta Government initiative. The TMX pipeline is supported by Canadians—including industry and First Nations—across the country”.

This campaign launch comes on the heels of the unanimous decision by the B.C. Court of Appeal on May 24, which denied the BC government’s attempt to restrict or prohibit the flow of bitumen through the TMX pipeline. The federal government is expected to deliver its decision regarding the future of the TMX project on June 18.

Said Energy Minister Sonya Savage, “Gas prices in the Lower Mainland are the highest in North America. Most of the product that fuels vehicles in the Vancouver area is delivered via the Trans Mountain pipeline. By continuing to obstruct its expansion, the Horgan government is making a bad situation worse.”

Sample ad for the Yes to TMX campaign

As to what role Alberta Premier Jason Kenney would play in this campaign, against continued delays;

“Premier Kenney has been clear that his government’s priorities are to stand up for Alberta, protect the value of energy exports, and get a fair deal for Albertans”, a ministry spokesperson indicated.

They continued, “As part of this, he is committed to getting pipelines built and has instructed the Minister of Energy to do what’s necessary to increase our resource export capacity”.

The campaign in British Columbia will be active via digital display ads in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Surrey and Vancouver, plus print, radio and social media.