The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities says it is extremely disappointed that the Keystone XL Pipeline project has been suspended. It is also upset with the federal government for not pushing hard enough to convince U.S. President Biden of the benefits of the Keystone XL. SARM says, this is yet another blow to the Canadian economy and will adversely affect the Saskatchewan economy and rural municipalities in the province.

The Association says the project was expected to create over 1,000 short-term jobs during construction and generate an estimated $2.97 million in additional annual property taxes to municipalities along the right-of-way in Saskatchewan while also reducing the negative impacts of transporting heavy oil on highways and railways.

SARM President Ray Orb says, “The Keystone XL Pipeline was an opportunity for a long-term stabilized energy supply from Canada to the United States.”