Comments by "Neolithic Transit Revolution" (@neolithictransitrevolution427) on "" video.
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So on one hand I think this may likely be the start of a permanent downturn. While I agree it is not structurally caused, if there isn't some greatly unexpected turn around from the US, this cyclical depression will lead into global structural changes, and while there will be an upswing it won't peak.
I think the low price environment will disproportionately hit the first generation bitumen mining operations and upgraders around Fort McMurray and cause permanent closures of production. And that would disproportionately impact employment in the oil sands, since mines are far more labour intensive, and the old mines specific as the last two built are almost entirely automated. So there may be a structural change as a result.
And secondarily, conventional producers will be able to keep selling at low prices, but new drilling, which is where the employment is. That will likely swing back in the future, although I'd be surprised if it reaches this level. Although, if we're clever, geothermal could reach this level by then, which would be a very good structural change.
On the other hand, I do think Alberta could outcompete OPEC if sufficient capacity were available. And specifically in regard to an Energy east line carrying upgraded syncrude, I would suggest there are benefits to buying domestic for a declining but still critical element of our energy system. Particularly since that Syncrude locks in demand to those mines.
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