Canadian Natural Resources is planning to complete the last major component of its Horizon oilsands expansion by the end of next year as part of a $3.9−billion capital spending program.

Carr agreed that he saw his role as a cheerleader for the projects now that they have been approved, saying the decisions spoke volumes about the government’s view of their necessity.

Premier Christy Clark, who has banked plenty of political capital on developing an LNG export sector, beamed with praise.

The National Energy Board has revised down its long-term outlook for oil prices and Canadian production in the face of lower global industry costs and stricter environmental regulations.

Life is getting harder for Canadian multinationals trying to reduce taxes by transferring profits abroad.

Time is running out for the feds to decide on whether to approve the Pacific NorthWest LNG project, which could open the way for one of the largest infrastructure investments in Canadian history.

"The combination of Enbridge and Spectra Energy creates what we believe will be the best, most diversified energy infrastructure company in North America, if not the world."

The C.D. Howe institute found that increasing LNG exports would likely increase emissions in most potential markets, sullying the environmental arguments made in favour of expanding LNG market.

In all, 337 intervenors are scheduled to give their take on a pipeline that has already widened a chasm oil industry supporters and those who oppose it on environmental grounds.

"All of these incidents shake public confidence," said TransCanada CEO Russ Girling.