Alberta energy exports to moderate ’06

The Canadian government’s Export Development Corp. forecasts a 4 percent gain in Alberta’s oil and gas-dominated exports in 2006, easing away from the 12 percent expected this year.

The corporation predicts that oil prices will soften and natural gas will experience short-term supply capacity issues, resulting in a modest weakening, said chief economist Stephen Poloz.

The province’s energy sector, led by commodity shipments, accounts for almost 70 percent of Alberta’s total exports.

Canada’s overall exports are forecast to grow by 4 percent in 2006 following a modest 1 percent in 2005.

—Gary Park