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Refine the crude, don't transport it

It is high time for Canada to grow up and stop being a raw-materials supplier to the world. Build a refinery to process the crude oil and pump the refined product; these products are non-corrosive compared to crude oil, pipelines much more durable.
Hans Douwes
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A letter-writer suggests that Canada should put less emphasis on exporting raw material such as bitumen and crude oil from the oilsands, and more into building refineries that would create jobs and a higher-value product.

It is high time for Canada to grow up and stop being a raw-materials supplier to the world. Build a refinery to process the crude oil and pump the refined product; these products are non-corrosive compared to crude oil, pipelines much more durable.

The Netherlands, with a population of 17 million, has seven oil refineries processing crude. The country would fit 22 times in the area of B.C.

It is hard to believe that this option is not viable.

Hans Douwes

Cobble Hill