In this opinion piece, Kevin Krausert, CEO and co-founder of Avatar Innovations, argues that Alberta’s submission of a proposal for a major oil pipeline to Canada’s West Coast should be viewed as a positive national milestone rather than a point of division.

He frames the announcement as evidence of renewed collaboration between governments and industry, suggesting it signals a shift toward strengthening Canada’s position as an energy superpower in an increasingly unstable global economy.

Drawing a parallel with the country’s recent sports success, he argues that moments of collective achievement can help unite Canadians and demonstrate shared national purpose.

The author highlights concerns about Canada’s recent economic performance, noting a decline in per-capita living standards and weak venture capital investment, which he presents as signs of stagnation in innovation and productivity.Against this backdrop, he positions the pipeline proposal as a potential catalyst for renewed growth.

He cites industry estimates suggesting that major capital investment in energy infrastructure could generate hundreds of thousands of long-term jobs, in addition to short-term construction employment, and stresses the importance of attracting large-scale investment to restore competitiveness.

A significant portion of the argument focuses on Indigenous economic participation, with the author pointing to new federal and provincial loan guarantee programs that could enable First Nations to take equity stakes in major projects.He frames this as a step toward meaningful economic reconciliation.

The piece also links the project to broader innovation goals, suggesting that expanding export capacity and improving carbon markets could accelerate emissions-reduction technologies while supporting economic development.Ultimately, the author contends that Canada must embrace its natural resources as strategic assets in a fractured global order.

He calls for moving beyond long-standing regional and political divisions over energy development and instead views the pipeline proposal as an opportunity to align economic growth, innovation, and national unity.