Harper Approves CNOOC Takeover of Nexen, Voices Discomfort With SOEsPM Stephen Harper approved China-based CNOOC’s takeover of Nexen Inc. but said Canada does not want foreign SOEs buying up the oil sands sector.Friends Read FreeSaveA screenshot from CBC News, taken on Dec. 7, 2012, shows Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper announcing that the government would allow Chinese state-owned CNOOC to take over Calgary-based Nexen Inc., while signalling Canada’s disapproval of increased takeovers by foreign state-owned enterprises in Canada's oil sands. (Screenshot/CBC News)By Matthew Little12/7/2012Updated: 10/1/2015Print