Gas prices are falling across Canada, but what may be good news for Maritime motorists is bad news for the Energy East pipeline.
The relief at the pumps is a result of the falling price of oil across the globe and with no apparent end in sight some economists are wondering about the future of oil-based products.
Oil-patch worker Kyle Mitchell says it’s a concern for him too.
“You will see projects slow down, you’ll see the refurbishments, and the shutdowns, and so on and so forth,” says Mitchell. “They won’t be as much as you would usually have.”
Like thousands of other Maritimers, Mitchell has commuted between New Brunswick and Alberta since 2006, working two weeks in the oil patch and then spending a week at home.
“I’ve been working so, I mean, I’ve been putting money away and saving it for times like this because…this happened back in 2008 and I was there and it affected me then so I kind of know what to expect.”
Energy East would see Alberta bitumen pumped from western Canada to Saint John. Project proponents say it would create thousands of jobs along the route and in Saint John.
New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant expects the pipeline to move forward, despite the current price of oil.
“Businesses and the industry will not make decisions, in my opinion, based on short-term fluctuations,” says Gallant. “They’re going to look at long-term output and outlooks. With that sad, there’s no doubt we’ll keep an eye on this.”
While there’s confidence the Energy East pipeline project will go ahead, some projects out west are starting to slow down.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Andy Campbell
