In a study just released by the Canadian Energy Research Institute which forecasts through the year 2020, the oil sands are projected to contribute up to $1.4 trillion to Canadian GDP during the coming 15 year period.

That estimate is based on $40US oil.

Most of the income generated from oil sands will stay within the province of Alberta, although the provincial and federal governments are expected to rake in a sizable portion of it, according to the study.

The region surrounding the northern city of Fort McMurray is where the largest concentrations of Canadian oil sands are found.

The study in its entirety can be obtained from CERI. http://www.ceri.ca