Ottawa offers $1.6B EDC backstop for energy sector as political tensions with Alberta fester

(CBC News, Ottawa, 18 December 2018) The federal government is promising more than $1.6 billion — most of it in loans —  to support the ailing energy sector, but it’s unlikely to ease the heightened political tension between Ottawa and Alberta. Natural Resources Minister Amarjeet Sohi and International Trade Diversification Minister Jim Carr made the announcement in Edmonton this morning. The bulk of the money — $1 billion in commercial support — comes from Export Development Canada, the national export credit agency. It’s meant for oil and gas exporters who want to invest in new technologies and diversify their markets.