.
"But for anyone concerned about free trade and the rise of populist rhetoric against it, this unprecedented payment is extremely worrisome."

Sorry Gentlemen, our land, our risk, our decision.

If and when the Alberta government can tax the oil corporations to the tune of tens of billions of dollars for the "use of the land"/royalties, well, so does BC, Ontario and Quebec.(as well as all of the Atlantic provinces as well as Manitoba. Saskatchewan is too...whatever) 

Thus/so, take it or leave it. Our land, use it and pay for it, If you are not willing to do so, well, I guess there is always that train "option" at FIVE times the cost.

Go for it......... 

.