Imperial Oil CEO calls for Alberta to reject separatism

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Photo by Darren Makowichuk/PostmediaImperial Oil Ltd. came out against Alberta separatism, the first major energy company in the province to stake a firm position on the movement to break away from Canada.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an Account“As a national company, we believe a united Canada is the strongest position we can take to face the challenges and opportunities ahead,” chief executive John Whelan told attendees at a Calgary conference on Tuesday. “Canada and Alberta work best when people, products, energy and investment can move freely and reliably across the country.”In just about a month, Alberta residents are set to vote on whether to hold a referendum on independence. Last week, a study commissioned by the province’s government was released showing that any secession process would dent gross domestic product by at least 2.2 per cent in the first five years in a good scenario, or more than 10 per cent in a poor one. Recent polls indicate that most Albertans oppose separation.Breaking business news, incisive views, must-reads and market signals. Weekdays by 9 a.m.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Posthaste will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againLongstanding disputes between Alberta and the federal government have led to a sovereignty movement that’s seeking independence from Ottawa in order to reap more of the rewards of the region’s natural resources, which account for the vast majority of the country’s oil production. But, Alberta oil executives have largely refrained from staking a firm position on the matter.Cenovus Energy Inc. chief executive Jon McKenzie said earlier this year that separatist sentiments were rooted in genuine grievances and would subside if they were addressed. Nancy Southern, chief executive of the power-generator ATCO Ltd., has called the separatist discussion “very unhelpful,” according to Canadian Press.Imperial, a unit of Exxon Mobil Corp., is one of the largest Canadian oilsands producers, operating the Kearl mine and Cold Lake in-situ well site. The company also operates of refineries in Alberta and Ontario.Whelan said he shared Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s goal to double oil production in the province and lauded moves the Alberta and Canadian government have made to encourage production growth. “With a supportive fiscal and regulatory framework, Imperial has the potential to double our gross operated upstream production while also advancing additional downstream biofuel production,” he said.We apologize, but this video has failed to load.This advertisement has not loaded yet.Notice for the Postmedia NetworkThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.