Pierre Poilievre Makes an Energy Pitch to Former US President Donald Trump
In a bid to address growing tensions between Canada and the United States, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre has made an energy pitch to President Joe Biden. According to Poilievre, a "great deal" can be struck by increasing trade in Canadian resources such as oil, gas, and critical minerals.
The Current State of Trade
Canada’s trade surplus with the U.S. is driven by the sale of commodities that Canada has and the U.S. needs. However, this surplus is not due to any nefarious intent on Canada’s part, but rather a result of its limited alternatives for exporting these resources.
Poilievre’s Plan
Poilievre argues that Trump has reason to be annoyed with U.S. deficits with China and Mexico, as they siphon away American jobs from a mercantilist point of view. However, the trade gap with Canada is different because it’s driven by the sale of commodities that support American jobs where they’re processed downstream.
To address this issue, Poilievre proposes that Trump approve the Keystone XL pipeline project, which would ferry some 800,000 barrels a day from Alberta’s oilsands to southeast Nebraska. This would not only benefit Canada but also create jobs and revenue for the U.S.
The Benefits of Increased Trade
Increased trade between Canada and the U.S. can have numerous benefits for both countries. According to Poilievre, if Trump somehow stopped Canada’s trade surplus with the U.S. immediately, American workers at refineries would lose their jobs and consumers would pay higher prices. However, by ramping up extraction of resources such as critical minerals that are in high demand globally, both countries can get richer while weaning themselves off supplies from unfriendly states like China.
Addressing Concerns
Poilievre has held talks with the conservative leaders of hydrocarbon-rich provinces Alberta and Saskatchewan, asking them to be ready to expedite resource project approvals. He also proposes addressing U.S. concerns about border trafficking and military spending by investing the planned gains of his energy-exporting strategy in Arctic security.
Conclusion
Poilievre’s pitch to Trump highlights the potential for a "great deal" between Canada and the U.S. through increased trade in Canadian resources. By working together, both countries can create jobs, revenue, and prosperity while reducing their reliance on unfriendly states.
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