RE:Debt levelIn general it is better to owe less money than more.
Suncor took on some extra debt just to get by in 2020 which is why the stock price tanked although now that and more have already been paid back.
I think 9 billion is the floor because it a very manageable number vs cash flow. Also I believe there is no advantage to paying of these bonds early and there could even be a penalty amount due if they do.
So they will just make the scheduled payments until paid off as per the original agreement.