Saint John, New Brunswick – Arab Canada News

Today, Canadian Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre announced a new strategic plan aimed at creating the "National Energy Corridor – Canada First," an ambitious project to expedite approvals for critical infrastructure projects – including power lines, railways, and oil and gas pipelines – through a fully designated corridor within Canadian territory, without the need to pass through the United States.

Poilievre stated during a press conference held in Saint John:

“After a lost Liberal decade, Canada is poorer, weaker, and overly dependent on the United States. It is time to reclaim our economic sovereignty.”

A Unified Corridor to Accelerate Investment and Growth

Poilievre explained that this corridor will have legal commitments from all levels of government to expedite approvals and avoid bureaucratic delays, which will provide confidence to investors and contribute to injecting billions of dollars into the Canadian economy, in addition to creating "strong wages" for Canadian workers in various provinces.

He emphasized that Indigenous peoples will be a key partner in this project from the very beginning, ensuring that the economic returns benefit them and that their approval is obtained before any funding is disbursed.

Liberal Waste and Severe Economic Damage

Poilievre highlighted what he described as the "economic damage caused by Liberal policies," noting that 16 energy projects were canceled between 2015 and 2020, costing the Canadian economy about $176 billion.

He also pointed out that Bill C-69, known as the "No More Pipelines Act," has made it nearly impossible to build new energy infrastructure. He criticized what is known as the "Carney cap," which he said would lead to a 5% reduction in oil and gas production, a decrease in GDP by $20.5 billion annually, and a loss of more than 54,000 jobs by 2032.

Toward Energy Independence

Poilievre reminded that 98% of Canada's crude oil exports go to the United States, considering that this keeps Canada under "American dominance," assuring that the new energy corridor will allow the sale of Canadian resources in new markets, enhancing economic independence and the ability to confront American threats from a position of strength.

Direct Criticism of Carney and the Liberal Government

Poilievre attacked former Trudeau economic advisor and current Liberal Party leader Mark Carney, saying that his economic advice "weakened Canada, while he and his wealthy friends accumulated their fortunes," pointing out that his company invested in foreign pipeline projects while he supported policies that prohibit their development domestically.

Poilievre said:

“The choice is clear: either a fourth Liberal term that keeps our resources in the ground and leaves Canada weak against Trump, or a strong Conservative government that builds projects, restores our economy, and puts Canada first – for change.”