I agree that Keystone will happen, since the Canadian govt., like the US Govt., is largely controlled by Big Oil, but don't rely on the job figures provided by TransCanada, since a realistic figure is about 1/10 what they promise in temporary jobs, and an insignificant number of permanent jobs.
It has never been that hard for Americans to come to Canada, since about 11% of the citizens of Calgary are American citizens. Criminal convictions are a barrier, but no country wants to import another countries criminals!
The best way to come in and work as a weldor, is to find a job through a company that will then take the application through the Temporary Foreign Worker, or immigration program. But, other ways are explained here by the
Government.
http://www.workingincanada.gc.ca/content_pieces-eng.do?cid=38Weldor qualifications and ways of becoming qualified are well explained here, with links to most of what you need to know.
http://alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/Content/RequestAction.asp?aspAction=GetHTMLProfile&format=html&occPro_ID=71003108The difference between temporary work and immigrating is explained here.
http://www.albertacanada.com/immigration/immigrating/coming-temporarily.aspxUnions in Alberta to contact which might point you to jobs or contractors are below:
Boilermakers Union Local 146
Ironworkers Local 720
Millwrights Local 1460
Operating Engineers Local 955
Pipefitters and Plumbers Union Local 488
Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 8
(Beware of anyone who promises guaranteed jobs for a fee.) Also, if you have the money, you can come in as a visitor and job-hunt for up to 179 days, just as we can in the US.
Finally, pipeline expansions and reversals are already under way to deepwater ports on both coasts, with Kinder-Morgan (all capacity sold -expansion on current right of way to Vancouver), and TransCanada ( reversal of present pipeline to carry dilbit to New Brunswick).