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As the federal Liberal government moves to open Asian markets for Canadian energy through pipeline approvals, it is also reviewing restrictions targeting Chinese investment in the oilsands, Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr said this week.

The former Conservative government brought in new rules restricting investment by state-owned enterprises into oilsands operations — measures aimed primarily at Chinese companies — after allowing the takeover of Calgary-based Nexen by China National Offshore Oil Co. (CNOOC) in 2012.

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In a meeting with the Calgary Herald editorial board this week, Carr said those rules are “up for debate” as part of a government-wide review of direct foreign investment in Canada.

“We’re looking at a far more aggressive trade and investment strategy across the government,” said Carr.

Prior to last year’s federal election that brought the Trudeau government to power, the Liberals had suggested the restrictions on state-owned enterprises would be eased, with Scott Brison — now Treasury Board minister — calling the rules “cultural condescension.”