Every option is on the table to ensure the Trans Mountain Pipeline is built.

That from the throne speech in the Alberta Legislature, Thursday March 8, with Premier Rachel Notley says they are now considering cutting back on the amount of oil being shipped to B.C.

She would be following in the footsteps of former Alberta Premier Peter Lougheed who cut oil exports in 1980 in his fight with Ottawa over price controls and revenue sharing under the National Energy Program.

"We are going to be measured, we are going to be careful," said Notley. "What we are talking about doing is bringing in one tool that we may or may not ever use in a very large range of possibilities."

But if B.C throws up any more delays it's a move she's willing to make.

"One thing might ultimately turn into a restriction of supply down the road and there are various ways in which that can be used. With various different outcomes. That is something you might see legislation on to allow us to do this session."

She says the situation can change day-by-day.

"This is a decision the Government of Alberta will make and the buck will stop with me. At what point will you apply what pressure? We are not going to limit ourselves. That is my job as the Premier."

Restricting oil shipments to B.C. would cause a spike in gas prices in the lower mainland.

She didn't say if she would apply the cutbacks to other parts of Canada.

 

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