Canada’s oil sands producers inject $20 billion into Canadian businesses

January 26, 2026

Canada’s oil sands industry has long been a key economic driver for Alberta and Canada, acting as a source of jobs, innovation, and economic prosperity that reaches far beyond Alberta’s borders. The companies developing these resources not only provide the energy that the world needs, but also fuel economic activity in every corner of the country through their supply chain investments.

The economic impact of Canada’s oil sands is substantial, supporting tens of thousands of jobs and contributes billions of dollars to Canada’s economy each year. By working with local suppliers and Indigenous businesses, the industry helps ensure that the benefits of energy development are shared broadly, strengthening communities and supporting long-term economic growth.

Between 2019 and 2023, Pathways Alliance members spent an average of $20.3 billion a year in Canada’s supply chain, with a total investment of more than $100 billion over five years.¹ This spending supports thousands of jobs, helps local companies grow, and keeps Canada’s energy sector competitive. Outside of Alberta, these supply chain expenditures work out to.²:

In Alberta, where the oil sands remain a cornerstone of the provincial economy, Pathways Alliance members spent a total of $86 billion with local businesses over the five year period, averaging $17.2 billion annually.³ Over that same period, their combined supply chain expenditures exceeded the Government of Alberta’s projected 2025-26 total expenses of $79.4 billion, underscoring the industry’s significant contribution to the province’s and Canada’s economy.⁴

“Our country has long benefitted from a strong energy sector that supports our economy by creating thousands of jobs and generating significant revenue to governments that helps fund essential services, including health care, education and roads,” said Kendall Dilling, president of Pathways Alliance. “As the supply chain data demonstrates, Canada’s oil sands companies are committed to investing in Canadian businesses, ensuring a stronger, more competitive Alberta and Canada for generations to come.” 

Oil sands companies also continue to recognize the importance of ensuring Indigenous communities realize opportunities from resource development. That is why relationships with Indigenous businesses are expanding quickly.

From 2019 to 2023, Pathways Alliance members spent $23.8 billion with Indigenous-affiliated suppliers across Canada, an 81% increase in just five years.⁵ In 2023 alone, spending reached $6.6 billion, while the annual median expenditure per Indigenous vendor more than doubled to $1.1 million.⁶ For perspective, this single year of Indigenous-affiliated spending exceeded the City of Calgary’s $5.4 billion 2025 operating budget forecast by $1.2 billion.⁷

Over the same time period, in Alberta, Indigenous-affiliated spending totalled $21.9 billion, accounting for over a fifth of all supply chain spending during that five years^8. Annual Indigenous spending in the province rose 88%, reaching $6.2 billion in 2023, with over 40% directed toward construction, equipment, and maintenance services, sectors where Indigenous companies are essential to both local and regional growth.⁹

Pathways Alliance members’ investment in Canadian and Indigenous supply chains reflects more than just strong business performance, it’s a long-term commitment to shared prosperity. Pathways Alliance members are not only investing in energy, they’re investing in people, businesses, and communities, helping build both a stronger energy sector and a stronger economy.

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1. Driving Economic Growth: A Shared Values Report on Pathways Members’ Supply Chain and Community Investment ↩︎
2. Driving Economic Growth: A Shared Values Report on Pathways Members’ Supply Chain and Community Investment ↩︎
3. Driving Economic Growth: A Shared Values Report on Pathways Members’ Supply Chain and Community Investment ↩︎
4. Government of Alberta. (2025). Expense. Retrieved October 14, 2025, from https://www.alberta.ca/expense ↩︎
5. Driving Economic Growth: A Shared Values Report on Pathways Members’ Supply Chain and Community Investment ↩︎
6. Driving Economic Growth: A Shared Values Report on Pathways Members’ Supply Chain and Community Investment ↩︎
7. City of Calgary. (2025). 2025 Budget. Retrieved October 14, 2025, from https://www.calgary.ca/our-finances/2025-budget.html ↩︎
8. City of Calgary. (2025). 2025 Budget. Retrieved October 14, 2025, from https://www.calgary.ca/our-finances/2025-budget.html ↩︎
9. City of Calgary. (2025). 2025 Budget. Retrieved October 14, 2025, from https://www.calgary.ca/our-finances/2025-budget.html ↩︎