Conservative Rival To Trudeau Woos Trump With Energy Deal
OTTAWA—Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole is promising to scrap the federal carbon tax and sell more Canadian oil and gas to the United States if elected, a move that would please the Trump administration but likely alienate some Canadian voters.
O’Toole released a plan on Monday that would see Canada become the “most reliable energy partner to the U.S. and the world.” He said a Conservative government would build more pipelines, reduce regulatory barriers for energy projects, and work with the U.S. to create a “North American energy alliance.”
The plan is a clear attempt to woo voters in western Canada, where many people are unhappy with the current Liberal government’s environmental policies. O’Toole is also hoping to appeal to President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticized Canada’s energy sector.
The plan’s key elements
The key elements of O’Toole’s plan include:
- Repealing the federal carbon tax
- Building more pipelines, including the Keystone XL and Trans Mountain pipelines
- Reducing regulatory barriers for energy projects
- Working with the U.S. to create a “North American energy alliance”
O’Toole said his plan would create jobs, grow the economy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The potential benefits
The potential benefits of O’Toole’s plan include:
- Increased investment in the energy sector
- More jobs in the energy sector
- Lower energy costs for consumers
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
The plan could also help to improve relations with the United States, which has been critical of Canada’s energy policies.
The potential drawbacks
The potential drawbacks of O’Toole’s plan include:
- Increased air pollution
- More greenhouse gas emissions
- Loss of support from environmentalists
- Strained relations with provinces that have implemented carbon taxes
The plan could also lead to increased dependence on fossil fuels, which could make Canada more vulnerable to climate change.
The reaction
The reaction to O’Toole’s plan has been mixed. The oil and gas industry has welcomed the plan, while environmentalists have criticized it.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce said the plan would “make Canada more competitive and create jobs.” The Canadian Labour Congress said the plan would “benefit the oil and gas industry at the expense of workers and the environment.”
The Liberal government has criticized the plan, saying it would “undermine our efforts to fight climate change.”
Conclusion
O’Toole’s energy plan is a bold attempt to appeal to voters in western Canada and to President Trump. The plan has the potential to create jobs, grow the economy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, it could also lead to increased air pollution, more greenhouse gas emissions, and strained relations with provinces that have implemented carbon taxes.
The plan is likely to be a major issue in the upcoming federal election.