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Originally Posted by simmer2
Pipeline “under‑capacity” is misleading.
The Trans Mountain Expansion (TMX) is barely a year into operation. Shippers have been testing it steadily—actual throughput always starts below nameplate capacity.
Much of that space is already contracted long‑term; the system is not sitting empty. The ramp‑up and testing phase doesn’t mean Alberta doesn’t need more capacity in the future.
Oil sands production continues to grow modestly every year.
Planning multi‑billion‑dollar pipelines requires looking 10–20 years ahead, not today’s temporary utilization rates.
Re Alberta and free handout. Alberta didn’t get a “free” pipelineTMX was originally a private project that Ottawa bought after political opposition and regulatory gridlock—mostly from B.C.—scared off private investors.The “taxpayer‑funded” part was the result of political interference, not Alberta asking for a handout. Alberta companies still pay tolls and taxes to ship their product like any other customer.Alberta taxpayers also contribute more to federal revenues than any other province—by billions annually—so calling the pipeline “free” ignores fiscal reality.
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There is lots of optimization to be done. More pumps, which will require some additional power infrastructure in the interior, and dredging the Second Narrows, so that Aframax tankers can actually depart more than 70% loaded. This is the low hanging fruit to more barrels to tidewater, why isn't the Alberta government pushing for that? Oh right because it is a federal project, and they can't be seen as collaborating with the feds. Ideology over progress, very much what this current government is about.