Political momentum has developed for the proposed west-east oil pipeline project and anxiety is developing in the Saint John area as residents await word on the pipeline’s future.
Many workers in Saint John hope the project to pipe Alberta oil to the Maritimes will become a reality, as the construction industry is in a slump and projects of any size are few and far between.
“I think it is a good thing for Saint John, create some employment, put people to work,” says tradesman Jerry Collins.
Few would welcome the pipeline more than the plumbers and pipefitters union.
“We see lots of work coming our way,” says Kevin Reid of the Plumbers/Pipefitters Union. “What would happen, they’d have to upgrade the refinery somewhat for the new type of oil they’d be taking in.
Reid says he was encouraged by the presence of the Irving family during last week’s visit by Alberta Premier Alison Redford.
“It does give us hope, there’s no doubt about that,” says Reid
Redford says Alberta oil needs access to ocean shipping.
“The decision on whether to build a pipeline will primarily be based on viability and of course, profitability,” says Redford. “But, people who watch the energy industry say the favourable political climate here is also being noticed.”
While other proposed pipeline routes are bogged down, the Maritime line seems to have fewer political obstacles.
“I think it absolutely moved the needle when other proposals are falling off the table,” says John Herron of Atlantica Centre for Energy. “The business case for the project gets enhanced and then when you see the immense amount of political momentum, that’s clearly helpful.”
TransCanada Pipeline is now assessing the feasibility of the project and is expected to announce its conclusions within a week.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Mike Cameron
