Canada’s superpower plan takes shape

Harper’s vision for the Canadian energy sector faces its sternest test

A CONFLUENCE of issues and events with few, if any, parallels in the history of Canada’s petroleum industry are on the cusp of setting a course for the oil-sands sector. There is the undisputed desire of the US and Asia for energy security; the unquestioned ability of Canada’s fossil-fuel sector to meet some of that need; and the undeniable role of environmentalists, First Nations and other community groups as a growing counterweight to oil producers and buyers. Numbers alone capture what is at stake for the Canadian economy. Alberta’s three recognised oil-sands regions – Athabasca, Cold Lake and Peace River – have been staked out by 45 operators. There are 84 projects in various stages of d