QUESTION PERIOD — Natural Resources
Liquefied Natural Gas
February 26, 2026
Honourable senators, it looks as if Senator Moreau was partially right yesterday.
It appears your government does see a business case for LNG, or liquefied natural gas, exports. The only problem is that it is not one for Canadian jobs and Canadian exports. Shortly after I questioned your decade-long dismissal of Canada’s LNG potential, we learned that we are now importing LNG from Australia, just next door.
Senator Moreau, let me remind you that Canada sits on one of the world’s largest LNG reserves, yet your government would rather import LNG from 16,000 miles away than invest in our own natural resources here in Canada. Is this the trade diversification business case your government has been promising and lauding: Prosperity and jobs for other countries but unemployment and hopelessness for Canadians here at home?
Your résumé of my answer is a little short, Senator Housakos. Canada seeks to diversify trade relationships. The government recognizes it has an opportunity to play a strategic role in the world’s evolving energy mix. If the demand and infrastructure are there, the federal government will work to get Canadian products to market. However, as far as I know, and it may be that you have other information, there is so far no willingness from the private sector to finance infrastructure concerning LNG.
Senator Moreau, please — that answer just doesn’t add up. You know very well that both domestic and foreign investment will go where investors see a comfortable place for it.
The Prime Minister of Italy, the Prime Minister of Greece, the Chancellor of Germany and all of the European leaders have been saying that they need Canadian liquefied natural gas, or LNG. They’ve been coming to Ottawa, visiting the old Liberal government while on their knees begging for LNG. Now to say that there’s no international investment and no will to come to Canada — no, there isn’t because you haven’t created the preconditions necessary by getting rid of the red tape.
That is inaccurate. The major project is exactly for that kind of perspective. As I mentioned in my previous answer, Canada seeks to diversify trade relations. The government has an opportunity to play a strategic role in the world’s evolving energy mix, and if the demand and infrastructure are there, the federal government will work to bring Canadian products to market. This is a clear declaration, I think.
