Thread by @EmmaLGraney

IS THIS A CRUDE BY RAIL UPDATE FROM KENNEY!? #ableg #cdnpoli #oilandgas

IT IS!! They're sold the crude by rail contracts "on very successful terms that will save Albertans half a billion dollars", Kenney says #ableg #cdnpoli

You'll remember there was a $1.5b allocation to divest the CBR contracts, but Kenney says it's "only" a $1.3b cost #ableg #cdnpoli #oilandgas

Kenney says shipping crude by rail is something the private sector is in the best position to do. #ableg #cdnpoli #oilandgas

These crude by rail contracts were supposed to be announced before Christmas, btw. It's 19 contracts, and Kenney says they're being finalized by the petroleum marketing commission and NOPE they're not releasing details until they've been reviewed #ableg #cdnpoli

I've been trying to get an update on these contracts for months. I called energy ministry yesterday, as it happens, and last week given the fiery crash in Saskatchewan. "Soon!" I was told.... every time I asked since October. #ableg #cdnpoli

Over the last few months, we've done a few stories on these crude by rail contracts. Here's one about Imperial which said they became far less attractive given the government's terms theglobeandmail.com/business/artic… #ableg #cdnpoli #oilandgas

Here's another about a small Calgary player as a contender to win one of the crude by rail contracts theglobeandmail.com/business/artic… #ableg #cdnpoli

Kenney says if you don't support oil and gas go turn off your lights and heat and see how you like it then #ableg #cdnpoli

Kenney says he sees the government's role in energy transition is supporting technology developments. Notes that the "biggest solar project in Canada" just drew an investor in Alberta without any taxpayer subsidies #ableg #cdnpoli #oilandgas

This is all about innovation, Kenney says, including carbon capture and storage. I will note here that the TIER fund (Alberta's carbon tax on large emitters) will help fund green tech research but it *also* funds the oil industry war room #ableg #cdnpoli

Interesting that the government refuses to release these crude by rail contract deals yet. For months they've said they're nailing down the details... and yet they've not been approved by the petroleum marketing commission? Wild. #ableg #cdnpoli

Kenney has so far mentioned "farts" and "unicorns" and "banana republics" #ableg #cdnpoli

On Teck: If the feds don't approve it, what will gvt do? Kenney says "the reaction would be swift and serious. I hope it doesn't come to that." #ableg #cdnpoli

Kennays says his government has worked hard to "hit reset" on its relationship with the feds. We've even offered to talk to them about the 100 megatonne emissions cap, he says (which doesn't actually exist, everyone, because it's not been regulated) #ableg #cdnpoli

Kenney says it would be a "huge" economic mistake for the feds to not approve the Teck Frontier mine. He says the current demonstrations re: pipelines are a dress rehearsal for more protests around "any major project" #ableg #cdnpoli

Kenney says it's a hypocritical protest, because if they cared about reducing emissions they'd let the natural gas pipeline go ahead coz LNG will reduce emissions. "It's certainly not about Indigenous rights," he says. #ableg #cdnpoli

This is eco-colonialism, Kenney says, and people are projecting their own environmental views on Indigenous people #ableg #cdnpoli

Kenney says, on protests about pipelines: This is about a hard-left ideology that is opposed to the entire modern economy, and police should do their jobs to stop these protestors. "This is outrageous and it has to end," he says #ableg #cdnpoli

More on those GasLink protests from my colleagues, btw: theglobeandmail.com/canada/british… #ableg #cdnpoli

Kenney says 14 First Nations have signed agreements with Teck over the last decade. Says his gvt has "exceeded expectations" on its relationships with First Nations in Alberta since the election. #ableg #cdnpoli

Kenney asked whether his gvt would look into the expenses of that Calgary city counsellor re: expenses. He says nah but y'all should have the proper procedures in place. #ableg #cdnpoli

Kenney asked about why Alberta has different emissions numbers from the feds. He says it's the same number as the NDP had and feds accepted that as a base cap. If they're changing that "I think they're scrambling," he says. Adds he talked to Trudeau about this. #albeg #cdnpoli

Here's b/g on that issue, btw: theglobeandmail.com/canada/alberta… #albeg #cdnpoli

Kenney says he's not getting into improvised negotiating through the media re: emissions limits #ableg #cdnpoli

Kenney asked about his expenses on recent trips. He says he always does it the most economical way possible, like economy class on Westjet. What does the NDP want him to do? "Stay in youth hostels or something? Hitch a ride with Greta on her yacht?" #ableg #cdnpoli

And that's that, pals. I have to hit the road on another job. #ableg #cdnpoli