“Energy is Canada’s Power”: We Couldn't Agree More Minister Hodgson!

“Today, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment. Global economies and markets are volatile. President Trump’s tariffs are disrupting trade, threatening Canadian jobs and industries, and rewriting the rules of the game,” Hodgson said.

“We did not ask for this trade war. But we are going to win it.”

The imposition of tariffs by President Trump has undoubtedly created significant challenges for the Canadian economy. Last year, a significant share of Canada’s exports, approximately 76%, went to the United States, also the source of more than 62% of Canada’s total imports ^[2].

However, these tariffs have also seemingly woken Canadians up to the reality that we’re largely dependent on the U.S. economy and must take bold action to expand our trade infrastructure, develop our natural resource wealth, diversify our international trading partners, and secure our economic independence.

That means building pipelines, powerlines, ports, railways, and roads.

“I want to be very clear. In the new economy we are building, Canada will no longer be defined by delay. We will be defined by delivery,” Hodgson continued.

“In the new economy we are building, Canada will no longer be defined by delay, we will be defined by delivery."

We must expand resources development and build critical trade infrastructure to secure our prosperity.https://t.co/CdjZADvj08

— Canada Action (@CanadaAction) May 25, 2025

Given Canada’s recent track record of project cancellations due to regulatory uncertainty, the Minister will need to make significant changes to redefine our country as a viable place to invest in again.

For example, both Northern Gateway and Energy East, two major transmission pipelines, were cancelled over the past decade, essentially due to regulatory purgatory and a lack of government support. Also, let’s not forget about the dozens of now-cancelled liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facilities that would have created untold wealth for Canadians from coast to coast, like the sector currently is for the Americans.

“Because Canadian energy is not just about domestic prosperity. It’s a tool for global stability and transformation,” he continued.

“It’s high time to trade more with people who share our values — not just our border.”

“Every barrel of… Canadian oil and every kilowatt of… Canadian power can displace less… riskier energy elsewhere in the world. Our exports can help our allies break dependence on authoritarian regimes and help the world…”

"Canadian energy is not just about domestic prosperity. It's a tool for global stability and transformation. It's high time to trade more with people who share our values — not just our border.”

Throughout his speech, Hodgson made several very positive and inspiring messages about our resource industries and their critical role here at home and across the world.

“Canada will remain a reliable global supplier — not just today, but for decades to come. The real challenge is not whether we produce, but whether we can get the best products to market before someone else does.”

“We need infrastructure that gets our energy to tidewater and to trusted allies — diversifying beyond the U.S.,” he continued.

“I am old enough to remember the oil embargo in 1973, when the SS Manhattan, bound for Quebec, was diverted to the United States, leaving Eastern Canadians vulnerable. We can’t let that happen again. Eastern Canada needs better supply security. We need to reduce our exposure to foreign energy, in a world where we may not be able to rely on trade agreements with our southern neighbours.”

“Energy is power. Energy is Canada’s power.”

100% correct — Canada’s new Natural Resources Minister says the country needs more oil and gas infrastructure to open trade opportunities with overseas markets and shore up energy supplies in Eastern Canada. https://t.co/rDu91g60ij

— Canada Action (@CanadaAction) May 24, 2025

Absolutely incredible words from our new minister. The question now is, what actionable steps can Canada take to achieve these goals?

A great start would be getting rid of the economy-killing oil and gas emissions cap, eliminating the uncertainty-creating tanker ban off the west coast, and abolishing the disastrous Bill C-69. Additionally, Canada needs to swiftly implement new legislative policies that can help expedite permitting timelines and foster certainty for investors, while also making our country’s tax regime more competitive with jurisdictions like the United States.

“A strong Canada needs a strong Alberta,” Hodgson continued, as he neared the end of his speech.

“To be strong, we will build things in this country again. We will make Canada a true conventional and clean energy superpower.”

Minister Hodgson's vision paints a clear path forward: Canada can achieve an economic renaissance and return to economic prowess by harnessing our vast natural resources. Unleashing our energy, forestry, mining, agriculture, and fishing sectors promises the creation of generational wealth and lasting prosperity, while shielding us from the uncertainties of international trade.

Now is the time to build. Now is the time to fortify our nation. Now is the time to secure our economic future.

Let's not waste any more time, and start making Canada the resource superpower it's destined to be. Canada's economic future and independence depend on it, and with more of our resources on global markets, the world will undoubtedly be better off.

So, Minister Hodgson, let's get to work!

It’s time to rally behind the construction of new critical infrastructure that secures our economic security. pic.twitter.com/y7vdIRiHJI

— Canada Action (@CanadaAction) May 28, 2025

SOURCES:

_{1 – https://www.canada.ca/en/natural-resources-canada/news/2025/05/speech-minister-tim-hodgson-at-the-calgary-chamber-of-commerce.html}

_{2 - https://financialpost.com/commodities/energy/canadas-trade-surplus}