ALBERTA'S COMMITMENT TO KEYSTONE XL PIPELINE

   The Alberta government is making a two-decade commitment to TransCanada Corp's long-stalled Keystone XL pipeline – a key move that will underpin the $8 billion (U.S.) project that has struggled to gain enough support from major oil shippers.

   The Alberta government's crown corporation, the Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission, will pledge 50,000 barrels of oil per day for 20 years, said Cheryl Oates, communications director for Alberta Premier Rachel Notley.

  While rival Enbridge Inc. calls the deal a "subsidy" for the TransCanada project, the Alberta government said the commitment will bolster industry confidence and stability for the pipeline project, as well as the province's economy as a whole.