Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre Makes Energy Pitch to Former US President Donald Trump
Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party in Canada, has made a bold pitch to former President Donald Trump, offering a potential "great deal" on energy exports. In an effort to improve relations with the United States and boost economic growth, Poilievre is advocating for increased trade in Canadian oil and gas.
A Pathetic Story: Handing Over Resources
Poilievre argues that Canada’s trade surplus with the US is a "pathetic story" because the country is essentially handing over its resources to America. The Conservative leader believes this is due to Canada’s lack of alternatives, such as multiple oil-export pipelines or a more developed liquefied natural gas industry.
A Mercantilist Point of View
Poilievre acknowledges that Trump has reason to be annoyed with trade deficits with countries like China and Mexico. However, the Conservative leader suggests that the US should not block Canadian energy exports because they are driven by commodities that Canada has in abundance and the US needs.
Keystone Pipeline Revival
One of Poilievre’s proposals is for Trump to approve the Keystone XL pipeline project, which would transport oil from Alberta’s oilsands to the US. Although President Biden revoked a key permit for the project after taking office in 2021, Poilievre believes it could still be revived with support from the current administration.
Addressing US Concerns
Poilievre is also prepared to address concerns about border trafficking and military spending. He promises that a Conservative government would invest the gains from increased energy exports in Arctic security, addressing Trump’s long-standing complaints about allies not pulling their weight on defense.
A Win-Win Situation
Poilievre believes that increased trade between Canada and the US can benefit both countries. By ramping up extraction of critical minerals and investing in resource project approvals, he argues that a Conservative government can help wean the US off supplies from unfriendly states like China while generating revenue for Canada.
A Great Deal for Both Countries
Poilievre’s pitch to Trump is centered on the idea of a mutually beneficial agreement. By working together, both countries can increase energy exports, reduce trade deficits, and invest in security and defense initiatives. This "great deal" has the potential to boost economic growth and improve relations between Canada and the US.
A Path Forward
While Poilievre’s proposal is ambitious, it remains to be seen whether Trump will accept his offer. Nevertheless, the Conservative leader’s initiative highlights the need for increased cooperation on trade and security issues between Canada and the US. By exploring opportunities for mutual benefit, both countries can work towards a more prosperous future.