In a bid to woo President Joe Biden’s predecessor, Donald Trump, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has made an ambitious pitch for a "great deal" on energy trade between the United States and Canada. Poilievre, who hopes to become Prime Minister of Canada one day, believes that by ramping up energy exports from Canada, both countries can benefit economically while strengthening their security ties.
Canada’s Energy Abundance
Poilievre pointed out that Canada has an abundance of energy resources, including oil, natural gas, and critical minerals. He argued that by exploiting these resources more efficiently, Canada could increase its trade surplus with the United States, creating jobs and economic growth for both nations. To achieve this goal, Poilievre proposed expediting resource project approvals in provinces such as Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Poilievre’s Energy Strategy
The Conservative leader’s energy strategy involves increasing extraction of resources such as critical minerals, which are essential for both countries’ technological advancement. He emphasized that by diversifying Canada’s energy exports beyond the United States, his government could reduce the country’s dependence on a single market and create new opportunities for economic growth.
A "Great Deal" for Both Countries
Poilievre believes that Trump has reason to be concerned about U.S. deficits with countries like China and Mexico from a mercantilist point of view, as they siphon away American jobs. However, he argued that the trade gap with Canada is different because it’s driven by the sale of commodities that Canada has and the U.S. needs, supporting American jobs downstream.
Appealing to Trump
Poilievre appealed to Trump to approve the Keystone pipeline project, which would transport oil from Alberta’s oilsands to southeast Nebraska. He also encouraged Trump to block underpriced Canadian energy from entering the U.S. market, arguing that this would benefit both countries economically and strengthen their security ties.
Addressing U.S. Concerns
Poilievre acknowledged that stopping Canada’s trade surplus with the United States immediately would lead to job losses at refineries and higher prices for consumers. He proposed addressing U.S. concerns about border trafficking and military spending by investing in Arctic security, which he believes is essential for both countries’ defense.
A "Great Deal" for a Stronger Alliance
Poilievre concluded that his energy-exporting strategy would not only boost economic growth but also strengthen Canada’s relationship with the United States. He emphasized that a Conservative government would prioritize investing in Arctic security, ensuring that gains from increased trade are reinvested in defense.
Reactions to Poilievre’s Pitch
While some economists have questioned the feasibility of Poilievre’s plan, others have praised his ambition and willingness to engage with Trump. As the debate around energy trade continues, one thing is clear: Pierre Poilievre’s pitch to Trump marks a significant moment in Canada-U.S. relations.
Recommended Reading
- Pembina completes acquisition of stake in WhiteCap assets
- New year brings new Alberta electricity ‘rate of last resort’
Join the Conversation
We’d love to hear your thoughts on Poilievre’s pitch to Trump. Share this article with your friends and colleagues, and join the discussion below.
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.
