Alberta pumps record oil output as premier looks to end supply cuts

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney hopes to end his government's oil production curtailments this year as rail and pipeline capacity expand to handle the full supply.

The province posted record-high oil production in December despite the curtailments, as exemptions for crude-by-rail shipments allowed producers to boost output. Curtailed operators have added 30 rigs year on year as they move capital back into growth projects.

Kenney believes the cuts, which he inherited from the previous government, saved the Alberta oil industry.

He also spoke about his outlook for Canada's three delayed pipeline projects, the federal carbon tax, the rapid acceleration of climate concerns, the impact of slowing US oil production, and demand risks from the coronavirus.