U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra says Alberta and Saskatchewan are well placed to become major suppliers of oil to the United States as American energy demand continues to grow.
Speaking at the Pacific Northwest Economic Region’s annual summit in Edmonton, Hoekstra said the United States is expected to require an additional three to four million barrels of oil per day over the next decade and believes Canada is one of the strongest candidates to help meet that demand.
According to Hoekstra, Alberta and Saskatchewan can make what he described as the “most compelling” case for supplying those additional volumes, highlighting the close energy relationship between the two countries.
He also revealed that members of U.S. President Donald Trump’s cabinet were ready to finalize an agreement last year to increase imports of Canadian oil. However, he said President Trump chose to continue negotiations because the United States was also considering other potential sources of supply.
Hoekstra’s remarks underscore the strategic importance of Canada’s energy sector as both countries continue discussions on strengthening cross-border trade and long-term energy security.
