As noted in the press post, $80/bbl yields a 10 per cent profit, according to the major players- they say this is needed for new developments. Existing operations are still profitable at current levels.

Mining techniques are much improved; over 60% of the oil produced in Alberta comes from the tar sands, and although capital spending is down because of the recession, some $10 billion will be spent on new development in 2009.
Existing operations continue to be profitable. Not quite the cash cow for the Province that it was before the recession; the Province has cut its expected revenue for 2009 to $35.6 billion, a drop of $4.5 billion.

Current Alberta production (all sources) is 1.2 million bbl/day, and is expected to rise to 2 million bbl/day by 2013.

Total Canadian production is roughly 3.4-3.5 million bbl/day currently (Canada Energy Data,-- http://eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/Canada/Oil.html
and CBC news story, March 11, 2009.