I would like to see clear explanations of the differences between conventional processing of crude oil versus upgrading of the bitumen trapped in Alberta's bitumen sands.  There is a misunderstanding that the output of these processes are equivalent, but they are not.  Upgraded bitumen requires the addition of a diluent (such as naphtha) to flow, and this diluent is usually imported -- it is one of the stream of products produced during conventional processing.  

In May 2015, the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association reported there were 110,000 kms of pipeline in Canada, and 548,665 kms in the USA.  In 2010, the world total was measured at 1,942,669 kms -- obviously, that has increased. Canada wants to add more. We know the contents of those pipelines will be burned, increasing CO2 emissions. Ms. Notley wants to send diluted bitumen to China, as if it is a captive market. China has cancelled plans for coal-burning plants & is focussing on renewables. How long will China buy?