Reasons for the project:
- Economic benefits: The project was expected to create jobs and generate revenue for the Canadian government and the province of Alberta.
- Access to new markets: The project would have provided Canada with direct access to Asian markets for its oil, reducing the country's reliance on the United States as its primary export destination.
- Increased oil production: The project was expected to lead to increased oil production in the Alberta oil sands, which would have further boosted the Canadian economy.
- Job creation: The project was expected to create thousands of jobs during construction and operation, both in Canada and in other countries involved in the project.
- Tax revenue: The project was expected to generate significant tax revenue for the Canadian government and the province of Alberta, which could have been used to fund public services and other projects.
- Economic diversification: The project would have helped to diversify the Canadian economy by reducing the country's reliance on the United States as its primary export destination.
- Energy independence: The project was seen as a way for Canada to become more energy independent and reduce its reliance on foreign oil imports.
- Environmental benefits: The proponent claimed that the pipeline would have been built with the latest safety technology, and that it would have had a positive environmental impact by reducing the need to transport oil by rail or tanker, which are considered more dangerous.
- Community benefits: The proponent also claimed that the pipeline would have brought benefits to the communities along its route, such as increased economic activity, job opportunities, and improved infrastructure.