LAKELAND - Lakeland MP Shannon Stubbs hammered the federal government on energy policy during question periods on May 28 and June 6.
“Mr. Speaker, the truth is that in five years, the Liberals killed 16 major energy projects and $176 billion in options to make Canada affordable, safe, self-reliant and united. Half the ministers are the same. The Liberals must kill Bill C-69, but they cannot get their story straight. Two weeks ago, the culture minister said that Canada does not need more pipelines. Last week, the energy minister talked a good game, but just like right now, he will not commit to concrete action. How can Canadians believe anything they say? Will they repeal Bill C-69, yes or no?”
Tim Hodgson, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources responded on May 28, saying, “Yes, we will support new pipelines, if there is consensus in Canada for them,” also citing American tariffs and threats to Canadian sovereignty.
“We must protect our energy security. There is no question energy is Canada's power. It will help us build the strongest economy in the G7, guide the world in the right direction, and help us be strong at the negotiating table. We will win this trade war. We will make Canada an energy superpower,” said Hodgson.
On June 6, Stubbs took the floor during Question Period to respond to Hodgson’s “yes, if.”
“If there's no consensus, even in their own cabinet. Most of these ministers stopped pipelines for years. The PM's top gun said, quote, ‘It is essential not to increase oil production,’ and the PM himself says, quote, ‘Half of oil reserves need to stay in the ground.’ The PM copied conservatives on energy after he helped block Canada's for half a decade. Isn't it true they really won't ensure private sector pipelines in all directions could get built in Canada fast at all?” said Stubbs.
Hodgson’s rebuttal was brief.
“Later today, we will be tabling new legislation to help build Canada strong, to build the projects of national interest, to make us the strongest economy in the G7. I really hope the member will support our bill.”
One Canadian Economy Act
The federal Liberals introduced the One Canadian Economy Act in the House of Commons on June 6.
According to information from the Government of Canada’s website, the bill “seeks to get projects in the national interest built” by focusing on a small number and “shifting the focus of federal reviews from “whether” to build these projects to “how” to best advance them.”
Provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners can all bring forward major projects to be considered. Once a project is accepted, all contact will be through the federal major projects office.
According to the Government of Canada, the intention behind the bill is to shorten the decision timeline from five years to two years, “while continuing to ensure environmental protections and commitments to Indigenous rights.”
Factors to be considered in deciding which projects are in the national interest include strengthening Canada’s autonomy, resilience, and security; economic or other benefit; likelihood of successful execution; advances the interest of Indigenous peoples; and contribution to clean growth and Canada’s climate change objectives.
Also included in the legislation is an additional $5 billion for the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program, a framework to recognize provincial or territorial requirements for products and worker licensing and certifications as meeting comparable federal requirements.
Stubbs replies to C-50
Stubbs and Hodgson returned to the debate in the House of Commons late June 11, with Stubbs saying “[The government] will pick the projects of national interest. How does that give investor certainty and confidence to all project proponents and investors, including all of the projects stuck in their federal queue right now that they should fast track?”
Hodgson said multiple projects would be selected in consultation with provincial governments and indigenous peoples.
“Does he know which sectors lost the most jobs since May? … It was, forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying and oil and gas workers in Canada who lost the most jobs of any sectors in the entire Canadian economy since May last year,” said Stubbs.
Hodgson said “In our consultations with premiers, indigenous peoples and proponents, they're excited about the one Canadian Economy Act. They're excited about the opportunity to build again, to build again quickly at paces we've never done before.”
In an e-mailed reply to questions about whether Stubbs would be able to support the One Canadian Economy Act, her staff said they don’t have a yes or no answer yet, but Stubbs is carefully reviewing the bill and “assessing its implications for Canadians—especially for rural, resource-based, and working communities across the country.”
“Whether she can ultimately support the One Canadian Economy Act will depend on how these key concerns are addressed through the legislative process, including potential amendments and clarification of its regulatory powers.”
