Lynn:
We will have to see as we go downstream a bit, whether Alberta sticks to their guns, or caves to competitive pressures from other provinces. Certainly, at current prices for oil, no one is interested in spending a lot of development money.
An old saying in marketing circles might well be applicable. "Bears make money. Bulls make money. Greedy pigs pigs get slaughtered!" The longer the current environment goes on, the greater will be the pressure on the Alberta government to become more conciliatory in their greed as more oil sands companies close shop.
We can only hope that Connacher has the staying power to last this out. And that Alberta becomes competitive before they kill off the goose carrying the golden egg for the considerable period of time which would be required for bankruptcy proceedings, reorganizations and turn over of oil sands properties to different interests, and then restarting. As well as the investors who bankrolled the development of the oilsands. Many of whom are Albertans. Of course, this requires a great deal of leadership and integrity from the political structure. Does the political powers that be, have such a level of integrity? No offense intended, but it is an honest, salient and relevant question.
Brian