Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says Imperial Oil’s “very disappointing” plan to lay off roughly 20 per cent of its workforce by 2027 reinforces the need to build more pipelines. Company chairman John Whelan said in a statement the restructuring and layoffs will ensure Imperial continues to deliver returns and value for shareholders. Federal Energy Minister Tim Hodgson also said Tuesday he’s disappointed with the cuts. “These are skilled, dedicated people who have greatly contributed to Alberta’s energy sector and Canada’s economy, and my thoughts are with them and their families as they receive this difficult news,” Hodgson said on social media. Hodgson said it’s his mission to make sure energy companies like Imperial stay prosperous as the government works to make Canada an “energy superpower.”“We are taking steps today to ensure the Canadian energy sector will continue to provide careers and prosperity for generations to come,” he said.