A Great Deal? Pierre Poilievre Makes an Energy Pitch to Trump
In a bid to alleviate concerns over trade deficits, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has made a pitch to US President Joe Biden to approve the Keystone XL pipeline project and increase energy exports from Canada.
Poilievre argues that the trade gap with the US is not driven by unfair practices or subsidies, but rather by Canada’s abundance of resources that are in high demand by American refineries. He claims that if Trump were to block Canadian energy imports, it would lead to higher prices for American consumers and job losses for workers at refineries.
Instead, Poilievre suggests that the two countries can benefit from increased trade and cooperation on resource extraction. He proposes that Canada should ramp up the production of critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and graphite, which are essential for the production of electric vehicles and other clean energy technologies.
The Keystone Pipeline
Poilieve’s pitch includes a call to revive the Keystone XL pipeline project, which would transport 800,000 barrels per day from Alberta’s oilsands to southeast Nebraska. The project was previously approved by the Trump administration but was effectively killed when President Biden revoked the necessary permit in 2021.
Poilievre argues that reviving the Keystone XL project would not only benefit Canada and the US but also contribute to reducing reliance on Chinese supplies of critical minerals. He claims that a Conservative government would invest the gains from increased energy exports in Arctic security, addressing concerns over border trafficking and military spending.
Addressing US Concerns
In his pitch to Trump, Poilievre acknowledges that the US has legitimate concerns about trade deficits with China and Mexico. However, he argues that the trade gap with Canada is different, as it is driven by the sale of commodities that Canada has in abundance and the US needs.
Poilievre also suggests that a Conservative government would address US concerns over border trafficking and military spending, investing in Arctic security to benefit both countries.
A Win-Win Situation
Poilievre believes that increased trade and cooperation on energy extraction can be a win-win situation for both Canada and the US. He argues that by increasing exports of critical minerals and other resources, Canada can generate revenue, create jobs, and support economic growth, while also contributing to reducing reliance on Chinese supplies.
In conclusion, Poilievre’s pitch to Trump represents an attempt to alleviate concerns over trade deficits and promote greater cooperation between the two countries on energy extraction. However, it remains to be seen whether his proposals will be met with a positive response from the Biden administration.
A Path Forward
If implemented, Poilievre’s proposals could have significant implications for the Canadian and US economies. A Conservative government would need to work closely with industry stakeholders, provinces, and Indigenous communities to expedite resource project approvals and increase energy exports.
In addition, Poilievre’s suggestions for investing in Arctic security would require careful consideration of the economic and strategic implications of increased military spending.
Ultimately, the success of Poilievre’s pitch will depend on the willingness of both countries to work together and find common ground on issues related to trade, energy extraction, and security cooperation.
