OTTAWA – The Green Party of Canada strongly opposes Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson’s suggestion that Canada consider building a new west-east oil pipeline in response to Donald Trump’s tariff threats. Instead, the Greens are calling for urgent investment in an east-west electricity grid to strengthen Canadian energy independence and build a future-ready economy.
"Minister Wilkinson’s proposal is archaic, short-sighted, and economically reckless," said Jonathan Pedneault, Co-Leader of the Green Party of Canada. "New fossil fuel infrastructure at this stage of the climate crisis is not just irresponsible—it’s a financial disaster in the making. We need to reduce our reliance on U.S. energy routes, but the solution is to invest in the energy of the future—electricity infrastructure, not more pipelines."
A Vision for True Energy Independence
The Green Party agrees with Wilkinson on the need to reduce Canada’s dependence on U.S. energy routes, but argues that a new oil pipeline is the wrong response. Instead, the Greens are urging the federal government to:
- Build an East-West Electricity Grid – Invest in a national electricity corridor to ensure clean, affordable power can move efficiently across Canada, reducing regional energy vulnerabilities.
- Remove Barriers to Interprovincial Energy Trade – Strengthen interprovincial cooperation so provinces can share clean energy more efficiently, rather than being forced to rely on fossil fuel imports.
- Invest in the Energy of the Future – Focus on renewable power generation, battery storage, and energy efficiency rather than outdated oil infrastructure that will soon be obsolete.
- Respect Quebec’s Opposition to Pipelines – Recognize that Quebeckers have consistently rejected new pipelines and that any attempt to force this project through will be met with fierce opposition.
"This government keeps talking about a just transition and then turns around and proposes new fossil fuel projects. Enough is enough," said Elizabeth May, Co-Leader of the Green Party of Canada. "Canada must break free from its dependence on fossil fuels, not deepen it. An east-west electricity grid is the real path to energy security—one that protects workers, strengthens our economy, and helps Canada meet its climate targets."
Pipeline Politics: A Losing Bet for Canadians
The economic case for a new pipeline simply doesn’t hold up. As global markets shift away from oil, locking Canada into new fossil fuel infrastructure risks stranded assets, job losses, and wasted public funds.
"Minister Wilkinson is proposing a massive investment in yesterday’s energy—one that Québécois do not want and that Canadians cannot afford," said MP Mike Morrice. "If we’re serious about energy security, we need to move forward, not backward. A Canada-wide electricity grid would be cheaper, more sustainable, and better for all Canadians."
A Defining Choice for Canada’s Future
Instead of doubling down on outdated, polluting infrastructure, the Green Party is calling on the federal government to step into the 21st century and invest in clean energy solutions that will serve Canadians for generations to come.
The efforts to revive Energy East are particularly ill-conceived. No refinery in Eastern Canada has the upgrades necessary to convert Alberta bitumen to synthetic crude- a required step prior to refining. We should end exports to the US and imports from other nations. Use Canadian oil until we can be 100% fossil fuel free, as we first advocated in 2019 in our Mission Possible plan. Canada needs to chart a path to greater self-reliance in a post-carbon economy.
"This is a moment for real leadership," concluded Jonathan Pedneault. "We can either invest in the energy of the future or waste billions on a pipeline that will never pay for itself. The choice is clear—and Canadians deserve better."
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