The Politics of Pipelines: Ontario’s Stake in Canada’s Pipeline Debate

Produced by the Mowat Centre at the School of Public Policy and Governance, University of Toronto.This paper analyzes the political and economic context of pipeline development in Canada and outlines Ontario’s stake in the national debate. Laying out the main areas of consideration for the province, including the potential economic benefits to First Nations, local communities and provinces, it also highlights the risks to the environment and to Ontario energy consumers. The paper argues that the most realistic and reasonable way for many Canadians to support pipelines, and the resulting expansion of oil sands production in Alberta, is within the context of a federal price on carbon emissions