New pipelines: back to the future

In an interview on Radio-Canada together with Geneviève Tellier, a professor at the University of Ottawa, Normand Mousseau commented on Prime Minister Mark Carney's mention of reviving pipeline projects in Canada. According to Normand Mousseau, in the absence of credible projects capable of moving us forward, "we are turning to old projects that are now largely outdated". Emphasising that this type of project is being put forward because of the industry's will to increase oil production, he points out that "Canada has a law that requires [by 2035] all new vehicles to be electric" and that, as a result, "it is not true that we will depend on petrol forever: we have already planned a significant reduction in gasoline demand in Canada".

We are not alone in this approach, given that for example "Europe has similar scenarios" and that, overall, "the reality is that demand for oil will decline" because "the best and cheapest vehicles available today are electric vehicles with a range of 500 km". In this regard, China has taken the lead over the rest of the world and is now best positioned to claim the status of "energy superpower" that Mr. Carney would like to see Canada assume. As Geneviève Tellier points out: "What is an energy superpower in the 21st century? It's certainly not the same thing as in the 20th century".

Instead of rushing to "absolutely do something" the professor recommends "taking the time to think" about the long-term impacts of these projects. These are, after all, "investments that will be there for the next thirty, forty, fifty, or even more years". With this in mind, it seems quite appropriate to ask ourselves what we are going to "leave to future generations in terms of the environment and in terms of costs".

Rather than falling back into old habits and dusting off costly projects that will bring no real economic benefits, Normand Mousseau proposes "modernising our economy to be competitive in a world that will be less and less dependent on oil."

Related news: Radio-Canada New Brunswick news, Radio-Canada New Brunswick TV.