The evolution of Petro-Canada

A new Economic Council of Canada study suggests that Petro-Canada Ltd has little reason to remain a Crown corporation, especially in light of its 1984 mandate to operate as much as possible like a business enterprise. It is recommended that privatization of Petro-Canada should come only after the Canadian government examines the long-term outlook for the oil and gas sector, the nature and degree of public-policy goals in that area, and what policy tools it has at its disposal. Subject areas covered in the study include: Petro-Canada's history, the expansion of the company's role under the government's National Energy Program, and the ways in which the firm's performance is monitored.