New report reveals energy sector adds $9,000 per Canadian household

CALGARY − By any reasonable standard, Canada exports a lot of energy. Public perception towards energy trade in our country is often negative, especially when it comes to oil sands and pipelines. However, a new report from The University of Calgary School of Public Policy offers a fact based examination of the economic benefits of Canada’s energy sector.

Author Trevor Tombe shows that over the past decade, growth in Canada’s energy trade has been nothing short of historic, with energy exports equivalent to nearly $9,000 for every Canadian household in 2012. And this number is not expected to drop, as Tombe reveals that forecasts for the next two decades suggest exports may double.

Concerns over the negative implications of the energy sector often do not take into account the benefits of the sector to workers, as well as the economy. “The energy sector adds much to Canada’s economy, with value-added and productivity higher than any other sector. And, when it comes to labour compensation, oil and gas extraction is the highest paying sector in the country.”

As Canada’s energy trade grows, so too will the need for intelligent debate, which will require high quality and objective information. This report provides the facts and analysis necessary to improve the quality of discussions and decisions on Canada’s energy policy.

The report can be found at http://policyschool.ucalgary.ca/?q=content/taming-skew-facts-canadas-energy-trade.

This article originally appeared in CMJ's sister publication, MRO, MROmagazine.com.