A major Calgary pipeline firm working on the Keystone XL pipeline project confirmed Tuesday it is making staffing changes “to remain competitive and optimize our operations.”
TC Energy issued a statement to Global News in response to questions about whether the company was laying off workers. TC Energy did not say if it was letting anyone go.
“Our Canada gas operations and projects team is implementing a new structure to ensure the optimal skill sets to navigate the next tranche of our expansion and operations,” the company’s statement reads.
“TC Energy continually reviews our organizational structure and processes to ensure we continue to deliver safe and reliable services while meeting the needs of our customers.”
A spokesperson for Alberta’s energy minister told Global News that the changes being implemented by the company “are not related to the Keystone XL project.”
READ MORE: TC Energy inks deal for Indigenous ownership stake in Keystone XL pipeline
“The Government of Alberta has a direct financial interest in KXL but does not decide the day-to-day operations or management of TC Energy,” Kavi Bal said in an email.
“The government is taking action with Alberta’s Recovery Plan — a bold, ambitious long-term strategy to build, diversify and create tens of thousands of jobs.”
Watch below: Some Global News videos about TC Energy.
TC Energy says Keystone XL pipeline will lead to lower greenhouse gas emissions as opposed to other transportation
Once complete, the Keystone XL project is expected to transport up to 830,000 barrels per day of oil from Alberta to Nebraska.
In March, the Alberta government agreed to invest about $1.5 billion as equity in the US$8-billion Keystone project, which has faced numerous political and regulatory setbacks in the U.S. over the years.
READ MORE: TC Energy enlists Alberta to help finish US$8 billion Keystone XL project
It’s expected that the remaining US$6.9 billion will be funded through a US$4.2-billion project level credit facility to be fully guaranteed by the Alberta government and a US$2.7-billion investment by TC Energy.
The Alberta NDP was scheduled to host a news conference about the changes coming to TC Energy on Tuesday afternoon.
READ MORE: TC Energy CEO Russ Girling retiring with Keystone XL pipeline still unfinished
Just last week, the company announced its president and CEO Russ Girling will retire at the end of the year and give up his seat on the board of directors. He is to be replaced as director and CEO by chief operating officer Francois Poirier.
More to come…
–With files from Global News’ Tomasia DaSilva and The Canadian Press’ Dan Healing