QUESTION PERIOD — Natural Resources
Oil and Gas Industry
June 18, 2019
Honourable senators, my question is for the Leader of the Government in the Senate. It deals with TMX, Bill C-69 and Bill C-48.
The Energy East Project, the Northern Gateway Pipelines Project, the Pacific NorthWest LNG Project and the Aurora LNG Project were all cancelled under this government’s watch. Millions of dollars have been pumped into the country by foreign foundations seeking to destroy our energy sector, and this government has shown no concern whatsoever.
Energy workers, not just premiers, but actually workers on the ground have begged this government to listen to them. Thoughtful amendments were brought forward to Bill C-69. Minister McKenna dismissed them simply because the energy sector supports them.
Even with the expected approval of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project later today, why should Canadians who work in this sector have any confidence in this government going forward? If you don’t have their back, why should they have yours?
I thank the honourable senator for his question.
Let me simply assure the chamber and all senators that the government’s policy for economic growth and for the environment and for the well-being of the country are well established. The bills to which he refers, certainly Bill C-69 and Bill C-48 and bills relating to decisions yet to be forthcoming with respect to TMX, are all part of the government’s commitment to both an environmental assessment process that is fair, balanced and can actually render decisions that are implementable.
With respect to the TMX decision, I know the honourable senator is at the edge of his seat waiting for the government to make the announcement — many Canadians are. This is an important announcement. I, like the honourable senator, await that announcement with great interest.
I should also point out that this government has ensured priority is given to attracting foreign direct investments, and I was pleased to see the reporting of Canada regaining a top spot — second spot, actually — in terms of countries receiving direct foreign investment.
I would also point to the diversification of trade strategy which, of course, in an era in which Canada’s dependence on one particular market, is one we ought to diversify. These strategies are all meant to complement one another, and I hope they find the support of the honourable gentleman opposite.
