CONCLUSION It is still much too soon to talk about the capabilities of PetroCanada and its accomplishments measured against some yardstick appropriate to a National Oil Company whose origins lie in a complex set of economic and political factors defined as the national interest. It is far easier to discuss intentions. Certainly, the intended catalytic role of Petro-Canada in furthering investments by the private industry appears already to be an important contribution. The acceptance by private industry of PetroCanada in a number of enterprises cannot be explained away entirely in political terms; Petro-Canada has money to invest and it has been welcomed. Moreover, as long as the Company is led by men of high competence, it may prove to be increasingly attractive for the private sector to take advantage of the opportunities offered by a government entity whose role in Canadian energy may become consequential. It may even-some assert-become a more effective interpreter and advocate of the needs of the private sector. Finally, and against the background of separatism in Canada, it is possible that enterprises such as Petro-Canada could still contribute usefully to a resolution of a problem which affects not only Quebec but other regions of Canada as well. A successful PetroCanada, developing energy resources across the nation, could give an impetus to economic development which might yet prove important for the strengthening of Canadian unity even if consideration of such was not emphasized at its creation. In the longer run, such a political contribution might prove to be a very strong argument supporting the Company's energy activities across Canada. (35) |