OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney, just before heading to Edmonton for Canada Day, reflected on the “divisions” that have pitted Ottawa against Albertans over the past half-century, spanning from Pierre Elliott Trudeau to Justin Trudeau. In a 17-minute YouTube video released Tuesday, Carney presented his vision for Canada’s energy future, including renewables and a new oil pipeline to the West Coast.
Carney’s Personal Recollection of the National Energy Program
Sitting at a wooden table, Carney reminisced about his teenage years in Edmonton when the controversial National Energy Program (NEP) was introduced by Pierre Elliott Trudeau’s Liberal government, a policy that greatly contributed to the rise of Western alienation. “I remember how Ottawa made Albertans feel like our resources weren’t our own,” said Carney, without naming specific figures. “And then more recently, we were made to feel that our energy contributions were running against the tides of history,” he added. “What should have brought us together began to divide us, contributing to a half-century of politics that have too often pulled us apart.”
Carney’s Vision for Unity and Energy Future
Carney said he has acted as prime minister to “help put those divisions in the past” by focusing on what Canadians can build together. “From my perspective, there is no more important goal than a strong, united country working together in our common interests,” he stated. Carney will participate in Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa on Wednesday before flying to Edmonton later in the day. He said he is “looking forward” to the festivities in the province where he grew up, but it is unclear if he will stay out west longer.
Alberta’s Pipeline Proposal and Carney’s Stance
The Alberta government is expected to unveil its proposal for a new million-barrel-a-day pipeline to the West Coast on Thursday. Carney said he has been in close contact with Premier Danielle Smith’s team and is “very up to speed” on the project. He would not offer many details but said in French he expects a private proponent, adding “that’s the deal” struck with Alberta. In his Tuesday video, Carney argued for the need for a new pipeline, stating that addressing energy security means creating “clean energy” but also producing conventional oil and gas “in the most environmentally sustainable ways.”
Carney on Canada’s Role in Global Energy
“The truth is no one knows how long the global economy will rely on conventional energy, but while it does, as much of that energy as possible should come from Canada, produced responsibly and with a clear focus on lowering emissions over time,” Carney said. He noted that the United States had been Canada’s sole oil customer, but that changed when oil from the Trans Mountain pipeline started flowing to Asia. Carney’s reflections come as he seeks to mend ties with Alberta, a province historically at odds with Liberal energy policies.
