Energy superpower or pipeline poverty? That is the question (Part 1)

Studies of Canada's economy largely demonstrate that Canada's economic well-being will be reliant on natural resource production, use, and export for decades to come. That well-being currently faces a variety of challenges, particularly in the oil transportation sector. Canadians are already paying a price for insufficient infrastructure: The discounted price Canada gets for its oil means lost revenues of $17 billion per year or more according to estimates. That loss affects shareholders, oil-workers, pension plans and government revenues across Canada. Other challenges facing Canada's oil export market are surging production in the U.S.; protectionist attacks against Canadian oil by competitors; and increasingly powerful opposition from activists and aboriginal communities in both Canada and the United States. Pipelines, in particular, are facing intense opposition, mostly by forces outside of Alberta who do not care that without the export of Alberta's oil, Canada's economy may suffer, from coast to coast. Our speaker will discuss Canada's oil-export challenges, the risks and benefits of moving oil by other modes of transportation (such as rail and truck), and the risks to Canada's economy from inaction on infrastructure. Speaker: Kenneth Green Ph.D. Dr. Kenneth P. Green is Senior Director, Natural Resource Studies, at Canada’s Fraser Institute where he studies public policy relating to natural resources. His specialty areas are energy, mining, and environmental policy. He has been studying these policy areas for over 20 years at think tanks across North America. By training, Dr. Green is a biologist and environmental scientist, holding BS and MS degrees in general and molecular biology, as well as a Doctor of Environmental Science and Engineering degree, awarded by the University of California, Los Angeles. Over his 20 years in public policy research, Ken has authored numerous policy studies and has testified before many branches of the US and Canadian governments, as well as state and provincial regulatory bodies in North America. Moderator: Duane Pendergast Date: Thursday, May 15, 2014 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr S Cost: $11.00 (includes lunch)