Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticizes Prime Minister Mark Carney’s progress on development initiatives, vowing to expedite the process by introducing new legislation to legalize pipelines. Poilievre presented the Canadian Sovereignty Act, which, if approved, aims to kickstart construction on two pipelines, a new LNG project, and a road to Ontario’s Ring of Fire by March 14, coinciding with Carney’s one-year tenure as prime minister. Poilievre expressed concern that no significant pipelines or natural gas facilities have received approval under Carney’s administration, emphasizing the need for immediate action through the Sovereignty Act proposal.
In response, Carney has engaged in discussions with Indigenous leaders and announced the establishment of a major projects office by Labour Day. Poilievre’s introduction of the bill in the House of Commons is contingent upon winning the upcoming byelection in Alberta’s Battle River-Crowfoot riding on August 18. The proposed legislation encompasses various Conservative pledges, including the repeal of Bill C-69, the elimination of the West Coast oil tanker ban, the abolishment of the industrial carbon tax, and the reversal of the single-use plastics ban.
Poilievre highlighted that the Sovereignty Act would also fulfill his commitment to exempt individuals from capital gains tax when reinvesting in Canadian companies. Following the bill’s introduction, Poilievre expressed readiness to collaborate with all parties in the House to refine and pass the legislation. He urged Prime Minister Carney to fulfill his promises, emphasizing the need for significant construction efforts and collaboration with Conservatives to reinforce Canada’s sovereignty amidst external threats.
Regarding the implementation of new projects, B.C. Premier David Eby acknowledged openness to a new pipeline in the province but noted the absence of proposals from private companies. Poilievre addressed concerns about approving projects not yet proposed and criticized the existing regulatory framework hindering pipeline development. In a separate initiative, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, alongside Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, unveiled plans for a national energy corridor to enhance Canada’s energy security and economic prospects.
The proposed corridor aims to transport western Canadian oil and gas to refineries in southern Ontario and a new deep-sea port on the James Bay coast. Ford emphasized the importance of domestic energy infrastructure to reduce reliance on external sources susceptible to disruptions. The leaders also highlighted the necessity to replace Line 5, a crucial pipeline transporting oil and natural gas liquids to Sarnia, Ontario, underscoring the urgency to bolster Canada’s energy infrastructure and economic resilience.