If we’re looking to ambitious nation-building initiatives to help secure Canada’s economy, developing a new pipeline that gets more of our oil to the world is an excellent place to start.
Today, many Asian countries are seeking reliable energy suppliers and have asked Canada to step up on numerous occasions. A new pipeline is well-positioned to deliver for our trade partners. It would also generate immense revenue to fund vital public services like healthcare and education that all Canadians need and rely on.
What should this project be named? We’re calling it the “Canada Connects Pipeline (CCX).”
The construction of CCX would stand as a symbol of our nation’s resilience, determination and unity in the face of a challenging trade relationship with the United States – one that has already adversely affected countless jobs and industries here at home. It would spur economic opportunity for Canadian businesses and families by creating well-paying careers and high demand for a variety of goods and services from local suppliers. It would show that, together and in the face of adversity, Canadians can tackle big challenges head-on with bold and concrete action – like we have in the past with the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, the Trans-Canada Highway and the St. Lawrence Seaway.
All Canadians should know that between 2000 and 2032, Canada’s oil and gas sector is projected to contribute over $1.1 trillion to public revenues. Much of this funding directly supports essential services such as healthcare, education and infrastructure, reinforcing the critical role that any potential pipeline project, like CCX, could play in maintaining and elevating Canada’s quality of life.
Canadians should also know that the world’s appetite for oil is only growing. One recent projection suggests that by 2050, global oil consumption could rise to 105 million barrels per day (bpd) – five million bpd above 2024 levels.
Earlier this year, B.C. Premier David Eby put it best: “If you’re not buying oil and gas from Canada and British Columbia, the alternative is Venezuela,” when discussing U.S. tariffs.
He’s 100% correct. The reality is that if Canada doesn’t step up, we voluntarily forfeit the economic benefits that go with exporting more Canadian-made oil to the world.
The Trans Mountain Expansion (TMX) is an excellent example of what’s in store for Canadians through the construction of a new pipeline. By reducing the price differential between Western Canadian Select (WCS) and West Texas Intermediate (WTI), we’ve secured tens of billions of dollars in additional value for Canadians from our oil exports.
The CCX would build on TMX’s legacy. It would connect Canadian-made energy to global markets, help diversify our trade partners, and make us more economically secure and independent in the process. It would benefit all Canadians, from east to west, north to south.
This pipeline would make Canada stronger.
Northern Gateway was a similar project that received overwhelming support from Indigenous communities. More than 30 of the 42 bands along its route supported the project and looked forward to sharing in its construction and long-term benefits. Today, a new Indigenous-led coalition is looking to sign on many of the same bands to support a new pipeline to the west coast.
This proposed project isn’t just about building infrastructure – it’s about making Canada stronger. The Canada Connects Pipeline would unify Canadians, provide a much-needed economic boost and serve as a point of nation-building pride for generations to come.
Let’s come together now to support natural resource initiatives that draw us closer. CCX is built for today, and it will be strong for tomorrow.
Cody Battershill is a Calgary realtor and founder/spokesperson for CanadaAction.ca, a volunteer-built group that champions Canadian energy development and the economic and security benefits that come with it.
