Press Release – Hon. Pierre Poilievre, P.C., M.P. (Battle River—Crowfoot):
Prime Minister Mark Carney was asked a simple question: should Canadian energy be put on the negotiating table as leverage in talks with the United States?
His answer was less than clear saying he did not “see the value in it.”
He is wrong.
Conservatives would never support blocking or taxing our own energy exports to the US. That would punish Canadian producers, workers and families.
What we have is the opportunity to use strategic leverage. The offer Canada should make is: boost our oil exports to the United States by two million barrels a day and create a Canada Energy and Minerals Reserve here at home for our tariff-free allies.
Terminals like the one at Hardisty play a vital role in moving Canadian energy to markets across North America, creating good jobs, supporting local businesses and growing the economy.
A Canadian Energy and Minerals Reserve would build on that experience and success, strengthening Canada’s position as a reliable supplier of energy, guaranteeing our long-term stock, in exchange for the removal of tariffs on Canadian goods.
That’s a real win-win.
For Americans, the benefit is clear. Their petroleum reserve has fallen to its lowest levels since 1983. Certainty from a stronger Canadian supply would improve North American energy security and help protect families from higher gas prices during a crisis.
For Canada, it means removing tariffs on our steel, aluminium, lumber and agricultural products.
It means negotiating from a position of strength as the most reliable and responsible energy producer in the world.
Even the Prime Minister’s own Energy Minister, Tim Hodgson, argued in April that Canada’s energy and natural resources should play a strategic role in CUSMA negotiations.
Shuvaloy Majumdar, our Shadow Minister for Canada-United States Relations, wrote to the government asking why it still has not used that advantage.
The Prime Minister was asked for his plan. He said he was not “going to be drawn on what we’re going to do.”
That is not leadership.
After a year and a half of concessions, tariffs are still in place. The Liberal government has offered no clear strategy and no clear path forward. Instead, Canadians are being asked to trust a process the government has still not explained.
You cannot build new supply overnight during a crisis. A Canada Energy and Minerals Reserve would make us the anchor of North American energy security and turn our resources into real negotiating power.
Here in Battle River—Crowfoot we know the value of Canadian Energy. Families, workers and businesses across our region help produce and move the resources that power our economy.
These negotiations matter to us, and they also matter to every Canadian whose livelihood depends on trade with the US.
The question remains: what is the government’s plan?
Conservatives have one.
Sell more, not less. Build the reserve and guarantee reliable supply to our allies. Get the tariffs removed. Treat economic security as national security. Deliver the results Canadians were promised.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this column, or if you require assistance regarding a Federal Government program, you are encouraged to send an email to pierre.poilievre@parl.gc.ca or call 1-800-665-4358.
