Energy
Canada creates a brand new fossil fuel subsidy – Awkward: Etam
From the Frontier Centre for Public Policy
By Terry Etam
Upon hearing about the federal government’s decision to roll back the carbon tax on heating oil, I rolled up my sleeves. The point of writing about energy at all is to try to illuminate some aspect of an energy topic from a viewpoint inside the energy sector; to explain some energy nuance that the general population, which cares little for the nuances of energy, may find valuable. Energy is not simple, and there are a lot of loud storytellers out there, selling magical beans and wishful thinking.
To me, the carbon tax rollback was an annoyingly flagrant bit of vote-buying, yet another irritant from the federal government but one that, on centre-stage, seemed to have far less potential for cross-country histrionics than, for example, the time the prime minister threw his talented and principled First Nations minister under the bus. Now that was a shockwave.
This carbon tax vote grab? Ha. SNC Lavalin, Jody Wilson-Raybould, the WE Charity scandal, foreign interference… a heating oil subsidy doesn’t even crack an annual top-ten list of federal governance dirty diapers.
Or so I thought. Hoo boy. The Hail Mary scheme has blown up, blown up real good. Critics are everywhere, from across the political and environmental spectrum. Liberal heavyweights are attacking Trudeau; economists that love the carbon tax for its ‘efficiency’ are declaring the carbon tax dead. Incredulously, premiers have voiced a unanimous opinion that the entire country needs to be treated consistently.
Upon further thought, it shouldn’t be a big surprise that even the hard core climate crowd is displeased. The federal government has been lavish with announcements and proclamations about eliminating fossil fuel subsidies, that they would do so faster than imaginable, that, well, read their words for yourself: “Canada is the only G20 country to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies ahead of the 2025 deadline. We are the first country to release a rigorous analytical guide that both fulfills our commitment and transparently supports action.”
“What the hell is this?” appears to be the consensus among a disparate group of voices that reaches consensus on nothing.
Be very clear why there is outrage: this is a shallow, obvious vote grab that crumbles the pillars of this government, and it most definitely is a creation of a brand new fossil fuel subsidy – so much for international credibility after all the hectoring this government has done globally. (If you have any doubts that this is anything but a political maneuver, consider that almost exactly a year before, in October 2022, the Conservatives tried to pass a motion to exempt home heating oil from the carbon tax, and all Liberal MPs save one brave Newfoundlander voted against it.)
Since the whole topic of the carbon tax has now come up though, here is a critical point that warrants some thought.
Canada and the US have chosen two different strategies to reduce emissions. Canada has, of course, the carbon tax – if you use or burn hydrocarbons, you’re going to pay (certain rural maritimers temporarily notwithstanding). Governmental, and government friendly, economists contort themselves into pretzels to demonstrate that the rebates handed back by the federal government “more than compensate” for the carbon tax, but every citizen that goes to a grocery store and realizes that every item in the industrial chain that handled any of those products in this country paid their own carbon tax, and that all that is rolled into the end product, has a very strong real-world suspicion that the government’s equation is laughable.
Beyond that, there is a big problem with Canada’s ‘stick’ approach to carbon reduction. Canadians can choose to limit the impact of the carbon tax by switching to something less carbon intensive, or spending to otherwise limit emissions. You don’t want to pay the carbon tax, you or your business? “No problem!” Says the federal government; just spend some exorbitant amount of capital, based on frameworks and guidelines that are not yet even ready.
In the US, the government long ago (2008) introduced something called 45Q, a carbon credit which was recently beefed up significantly under the Biden Inflation Reduction Act energy policy. 45Q is a carrot. If you are a carbon emitter, well, no one likes the emissions, but go ahead and carry on with your business.
If you choose to reduce your carbon emissions however, the government will hand you a cheque (sorry, check) for doing so – $85 per tonne CO2e, to be precise. You can start a new business that generates emissions credits, and if you can do it for less than $85/tonne, you have a new profit centre. There is a companion credit called 45X; credit revenue can be generated from it by manufacturing components that go into various energy technologies including structural fasteners, steel tubing, critical minerals, pretty much any battery component, etc.
In short, an existing business can carry on as before, or embark on a new venture with a guaranteed revenue stream from carbon credits generated.
In Canada, the stick is, like, really big, and for real. If you exist and consume conventional energy, you will pay, and pay dearly, and the amount will go up every year until either 2030 or until you cry uncle, whichever comes first.
Want to avoid paying the tax? Again, you will pay dearly, but differently; you will pay for capital expenditures on whatever means are available to you, using whatever policies are worked out by governments at all levels (Not a secret: a great many of the regulatory bugs are not yet worked as to potential solutions to limit emissions, capture/store carbon, etc.).
In Canada, either way, you pay through the nose. In the US, you have options to go into another line of business, or to find potentially unrelated ways to reduce emissions, with a ‘guaranteed revenue stream’ in the form of credits.
Guess in which direction businesses will thunder?
Economists love Canada’s carbon tax because it is ‘efficient’. Well, yes, that is true in an oddball sort of way, just as I can guarantee you that I can ‘efficiently’ reduce local vehicular traffic by blowing up every bridge and overpass. How’s that for efficient? I could cut traffic levels by greater than 50 percent within hours of delivery of the ACME Dynamite.
At the end of the day, the federal government’s backpedaling on the carbon tax is symptomatic of a cornerstone of the entire movement failing, because it was made of styrofoam and the building upon which it was constructed will only work with carefully engineered cement.
Europe is no different, celebrating emissions reduction successes while not wanting to talk much about how the industrial sector has been hollowed out. “Stick” taxes force companies to shut down and/or leave, and just plain punish citizens for things like heating their homes.
The carbon tax is a solution to the extent that there is readily-trimmable fat in the system. But it has to be designed to go after that fat, not after everything that moves. Autos are a perfect example. The federal government could have mandated a switch to hybrids, and banned sales of 500-hp SUVs and whatever (don’t yell at me free marketers; I’m pointing out real-world pathways that are possible). They could have mandated a rise in corporate average fuel economy in one way or another.
That is trimmable fat. Attacking home heating fuels is not.
This isn’t to say the US’ program is sheer genius. However, it is worth noting that 45Q has been around for fifteen years; what has happened recently is that it has been beefed up in a way that makes sense. (The US is also doing nonsensical things like forcing companies into carbon capture and sequestration, at the same time that, as US Senator Joe Manchin points out, “CCUS and DAC developers have submitted more than 120 applications to EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] for Class VI well permits to sequester carbon since the IRA passed, and there are 169 total pending applications, and not one approval has been made by the Biden Administration.”)
The energy transition as envisioned by the ‘climate emergency’ crowd was doomed to fail because it was based on a ‘too fast, too soon’ transition game plan – which was actually not a plan at all, more of a command – and, equally as relevant, was based on the tenuous fear instilled in citizens by bad weather (an entire generation is now being raised to 1) be terrified of the weather, and 2) be convinced that their actions can influence it. Stop it.).
Our entire world is built on oil, natural gas, coal (in some parts of the world) and hydrocarbon energy systems in general. Sue ‘Big Oil’ all you want; that won’t change anytime soon.
Energy illiteracy is the slow-moving black plague of our time.
Canada’s efficient carbon tax pits citizens against their heating needs, against their business interests, and against inescapable realities.
Here’s the sad part: All the federal government is doing here is facing reality, or starting to. Europe did the same last year, spending hundreds of billions in brand new fossil fuel subsidies to shield consumers from rocketing energy prices. When push comes to shove, governments will wilt under pressured voter pocketbooks.
Boneheads will at this point insert the oft-heard refrain “So you’re saying we should just do nothing.” I’ve heard that so often it sounds like mosquitoes in summer. It’s the only attack some people have.
It is actually an amazing time to see new energy technologies take shape, with the best minds in the entire energy industry pushing in that way. We are seeing the creation of hydrogen hubs, development of new technology like fuel cells, greater use of methane capture from landfills, etc. A great many great minds are making significant progress.
But even those geniuses can’t change the laws of reality. Eight billion people are now alive at the same time due to a certain system, and it will take a very long time to change that system if all of those people stay alive and try to live like the west does.
Energy wise, we need better, much better. Canada’s government is paying the price for heedlessly listening to ideological cheerleaders. Just like Canada’s citizens have been.
Terry Etam is a columnist with the BOE Report, a leading energy industry newsletter based in Calgary. He is the author of The End of Fossil Fuel Insanity. You can watch his Policy on the Frontier session from May 5, 2022 here.
A concept image of a GE Hitachi BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR), the nuclear technology Ontario Power Generation is using for its new project adjacent to the existing Darlington nuclear plant. (GE-Hitachi)
From Energy Now
Construction will create 18,000 Canadian jobs, add up to $500 million annually to Ontario’s economy and help secure clean, reliable energy
With electricity demand in Ontario set to soar by at least 75 per cent by 2050, the Ontario government has approved Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) plan to begin construction on the first of four small modular reactors (SMRs) at the Darlington nuclear site. Once complete, this SMR will be the first of its kind in the G7, producing enough reliable, affordable and clean electricity to power the equivalent of 300,000 homes, supporting thousands of good-paying jobs across the province and helping secure Ontario’s energy supply for decades to come.
The construction of the four units will support the government’s plan to protect Ontario’s workers and economy by creating up to 18,000 Canadian jobs and injecting $500 million on average annually into Ontario’s economy. The construction, operation and maintenance of the four units will add $38.5 billion to Canada’s GDP over the next 65 years. The government has worked with OPG to ensure that 80 per cent of project spending goes to Ontario companies and that construction and operations will protect Ontario workers and jobs by sustaining an estimated 3,700 highly-skilled, good-paying jobs for the next 65 years.
“This is a historic day for Canada as we start construction on the first small modular reactor in the G7, creating 18,000 jobs for Canadians,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “This nation-building project being built right here in Ontario will be led by Canadian workers using Canadian steel, concrete and materials to help deliver the extraordinary amount of reliable and clean power we will need to deliver on our ambitious plan to protect Ontario and unleash our economy.”
The BWRX-300 is a small-scale nuclear reactor that uses commercially available uranium to generate power. The four SMRs will be vital to powering new homes, historic investments to build Ontario and fuel a thriving economy. Once complete, they will produce 1,200 megawatts (MW) of electricity, enough to power the equivalent of 1.2 million homes, to help bridge a power gap that could emerge in the early 2030s in the absence of net-new baseload power sources added to the grid.
More than eighty Ontario companies have already signed agreements with OPG to deliver this first-of-a-kind project, establishing themselves as leaders in the growing domestic and global markets for new nuclear technologies. The government has also negotiated additional commitments from GE Hitachi that will create jobs in Ontario, that will soon be unveiled.
Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) concluded that the Darlington New Nuclear Project is the best option to meet growing demand in terms of costs and risks, when compared against non-emitting generation alternatives. This, combined with OPG’s outstanding track-record on the Darlington Refurbishment Project, factored into the government’s decision to support the Darlington New Nuclear Project.
Within Canada, the Ontario government and OPG are collaborating with power companies in Alberta, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick as they work towards the deployment of SMRs in their jurisdictions. Around the world, the government has helped secure job-creating agreements that deploy Made-In-Ontario components to build SMR’s for the world.
Advancing construction on the Darlington New Nuclear Project SMRs is just one part of Ontario’s Affordable Energy Future, the government’s vision as it plans for rising energy demand.
Quick Facts
- The government is supporting OPG’s $20.9 billion budget for the Darlington New Nuclear Project, which includes site preparation, engineering and design work to date, as well as the construction of all four small modular reactors.
- During project development OPG will continue to build respectful, collaborative relationships with the communities of the Williams Treaties First Nations, while pursuing potential opportunities for their equity partnership in the project. This would be a first-of-its-kind partnership in Canada for nuclear energy generation, reflecting the government and OPG’s commitment to ensure local First Nations benefit from new projects in their territories.
- Once complete, the Darlington New Nuclear Projects four SMRs will produce 1,200 megawatts (MW) of electricity, enough to power 1.2 million homes.
- According to the IESO, the province would need to build up to 8,900 MW of wind and solar paired with battery storage to replace the output of four SMRs. The IESO also concluded this alternative approach would carry significant risks including significant land requirements and the need for large scale transmission build out.
- The first SMR will cost $6.1 billion, along with costs for systems and services common to all four SMRs of $1.6 billion. Costs are expected to decline with each subsequent unit as efficiencies are gained, similar to the Darlington Refurbishment Project.
- OPG began site preparation for the first SMR in December 2022. Ontario announced that OPG would begin planning and licensing for three additional SMRs, for a total of four SMRs at the Darlington nuclear site in July 2023. OPG obtained a Licence to Construct (LTC) for Unit 1 from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) in April 2025.
- To reduce costs the Government of Ontario is exploring potential financial instruments that would benefit ratepayers, and in parallel, OPG continues to explore other optimal financing arrangements.
Quotes
“This is a proud achievement for Ontario – this small modular reactor project is not only powering our future, it is driving real results for our economy. With thousands of good-paying jobs, billions in economic impact, and made-in-Ontario expertise leading the way, we are showing the world what our workers and industries can achieve.”
– Peter Bethlenfalvy
MPP, Pickering-Uxbridge
“The launch of Canada’s first grid-scale small modular reactor at Darlington marks a major milestone for our Province—powering growth, creating jobs, and securing a clean energy future right here in Durham Region. This transformative project will strengthen our Region’s economy, provide long-term careers, and reinforce Durham’s role as a leader in clean nuclear innovation.”
– Lorne Coe
MPP, Whitby, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence, and Security
“Today’s announcement is the next step to strengthening Ontario and Canada’s energy security while supporting thousands of good-paying jobs for workers in the region. Once complete, this SMR will be the first of its kind in the G7, delivering clean reliable and affordable electricity to homes and businesses.”
– Todd McCarthy
MPP, Durham
“As the first mover on SMRs, this made-in-Ontario project will create jobs for the province’s workers, contracts for Ontario’s booming supply chain, and showcase our capabilities and expertise to the world to further grow our domestic industry while strengthening Canada’s energy security. As we saw through the refurbishment project, building a fleet of SMRs with the support of Ontario’s strong nuclear supply chain will provide further opportunities to learn, identify efficiencies, and expand the supply chain. All of this invaluable, irreplaceable experience will prepare us to take on the next large nuclear project.”
– Nicolle Butcher
President and Chief Executive Officer, OPG
“This is a proud moment for GE Vernova Hitachi and Ontario as we move from vision to reality with construction of the G7’s first SMR, the BWRX-300. With dozens of Ontario-based suppliers contributing to this project, we’re not just building a reactor—we’re generating thousands of good-paying jobs, driving investment into communities across the province, and reinforcing Ontario’s global leadership in clean energy technology. That leadership is already opening doors to international export opportunities for Ontario companies, helping position our province as a global hub for next-generation nuclear innovation. GE has been part of Canada’s nuclear story from the very beginning, and we’re honoured to carry that legacy forward by delivering a made-in-Ontario solution that strengthens our economy and powers our future.”
– Lisa McBride
Country Leader, GE Vernova Hitachi SMR Canada
“Clarington is excited to team up with the Ontario Government and OPG to advance new nuclear technology. As we host the first SMR in the G7, we’re paving the way for clean energy that will benefit everyone. Our leadership in this global nuclear renaissance is thrilling. The Darlington SMR project promises thousands of jobs during construction and hundreds more during operations, boosting economic growth and job creation in Clarington now and in the future.”
– Adrian Foster
Mayor, Clarington
“The Ontario Government’s approval of OPG’s small modular reactor project at Darlington represents a major milestone in the province’s clean energy strategy. This project will deliver long-term economic and environmental benefits across Ontario, including thousands of skilled jobs and a reliable, low-carbon power supply. We commend the Province for its continued commitment to investing in innovative and future-focused energy solutions.”
– Olena Hankivsky
Mayor, Municipality of Port Hope
“I am excited to be part of this historic announcement. Haldimand County looks forward to working with Minister Lecce on bringing clean energy to Ontario, thousands of jobs and millions of dollars annually into Ontario’s Economy.”
– Shelley Ann Bentley
Mayor, Haldimand County
“The Township of St. Clair recognizes the very real impacts the projected shortage of power will have not only in our municipality, but also province-wide. That is why the Ontario Government’s announcement today authorizing the construction of the first of four small modular reactors at the Darlington nuclear site is very exciting.”
– Jeff Agar
Mayor, Township of St. Clair
“The Government of Ontario’s approval for OPG to begin construction on its trailblazing Darlington New Nuclear Project is leading the way in delivering the next generation of nuclear plants across North America and internationally. Aecon is proud to bring its diverse nuclear expertise and multidisciplinary capabilities to play a prominent role in safely executing this exciting project to meet the energy demands of future generations in Ontario.”
– Jean-Louis Servranckx
President and Chief Executive Officer, Aecon Group Inc.
“This is an exciting day for Clarington, Durham Region, and Canada. Being home to the first site globally to start construction on SMRs demonstrates the leadership role that our region plays in the new nuclear sector. This is a monumental step forward by the Ontario Government for energy security and availability in Canada. Congratulations to OPG on this milestone.”
– John Henry
Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Regional Municipality of Durham
“Ontario’s SMR project builds on Ontario’s clean energy advantage by putting Ontario at the forefront of clean energy knowledge and technology that can be exported around the world. The OEA supports the Ontario Government’s plan to make the Province a world leader in nuclear energy and maintain nuclear power as a core element of Ontario’s clean affordable energy sector.”
– Vince Brescia
President and Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Energy Association
“Today’s announcement by the Government of Ontario turns vision into reality for the Province’s clean energy future. The construction of the Darlington New Nuclear Project will deliver clean, reliable power that our economy needs to thrive, while driving innovation, investment, and good-paying jobs across the province. By deploying the first grid-scale SMR in the G7, Ontario is cementing its place as a global nuclear leader and an emerging energy superpower.”
– Giles Gherson
President and Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Region Board of Trade
“The start of construction on this SMR is a meaningful step forward for Ontario and for Canada. It reflects what can be accomplished through strong leadership, technical excellence, and a clear vision for the future. It also carries real opportunity—for Indigenous-owned businesses to be part of critical infrastructure projects in ways that create long-term impact. We’re proud to support OPG in this work and to stand alongside other supply chain partners helping to drive this project forward.”
– Clint Keeler
President, Voyageur Services Limited
“This historic milestone by the Government of Ontario is not only a bold step forward in clean energy innovation, but a powerful demonstration of how local businesses can directly contribute to—and benefit from—nation-leading projects. We are proud to see so many Clarington businesses directly support the construction of the first SMR. We commend OPG and the Provincial Government for their commitment to local economic development and for working with Ontario-based suppliers. Their leadership sets the tone for what’s possible when industry and community work together to power our future.”
– Bonnie Wrightman
Executive Director, Clarington Board of Trade
“Ontario’s historic investment in small modular reactors is a powerful statement of confidence in our province’s skilled workforce and energy future. The Darlington SMR project not only secures clean, reliable power for generations, it creates thousands of good-paying jobs and reinforces our position as a global leader in nuclear innovation. LiUNA members are proud to be at the forefront of this transformative project, building the infrastructure that powers our economy, strengthens our communities, and ensures prosperity for working families across Ontario.”
– Joseph Mancinelli
International Vice President, Canadian Director, Labourers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA)
“The Ontario Building Trades and Helmets to Hardhats Canada proudly support the Ontario Government’s development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a key part of Canada’s clean energy future. The construction of SMRs offers prosperous careers for Building Trades workers including Canada’s veterans transitioning to civilian life. We stand ready to help build this next generation of nuclear technology safely, efficiently, and with the highest standards of craftsmanship.”
– James Hogarth
President, Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario
“To begin construction on the SMR’s at Darlington amidst significant global uncertainty makes it crystal clear that Ontario is not about to hit the pause button or sit on the sidelines and wait. Rather at this pivotal time OPG and the Province are showing their commitment to ensuring that Ontario remains a front runner in clean, reliable baseload power production. At a time when we need to invest in our own energy security, and in the very men and women who power our great province… the government is doing just that in creating jobs, creating clean power, and creating the supply chain that will position us to showcase our world leading nuclear expertise. The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers congratulates OPG, the vendor partners, and the Ontario Government on their announcement to begin the construction phase of North America’s first grid-sized SMR.”
– Jonathan White
Director, International Brotherhood of Boilermakers
“The power sector labour market partners have negotiated a 5-year agreement that will provide the labour relations stability to make this historic project by the Ontario Government and OPG a success.”
– Alex Lolua
General Manager, Electrical Power Systems Construction Association
“As the union representing the professionals who operate Ontario’s nuclear facilities, the Society of United Professionals is glad to see the Government of Ontario’s approval for the construction of the Darlington Small Modular Reactor. Projects like this will mean more good quality, union jobs that you can raise a family on and support our communities. To electrify our economy, meet our long-term clean energy needs, and achieve Canada’s energy independence we will need SMRs to complement our large-scale CANDU nuclear facilities to power our future.”
– Rebecca Caron
President, Society of United Professionals
“Today marks a major step forward for Canada’s clean energy future. The start of construction on the first grid-scale small modular reactor in the G7 is a clear signal that Ontario is serious about decarbonization, energy security, economic growth and international opportunities. With a strong domestic supply chain and world-class expertise, our industry is ready to deliver, bringing clean, reliable power to more Canadians while supporting good jobs and local communities.”
– George Christidis
Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Nuclear Association
“Salit Steel is proud to play a role in this landmark clean energy project. As a Canadian, family-owned company with over 120 years of experience in the steel industry, we are deeply committed to supporting nation-building infrastructure. We’re honoured to contribute our reinforcing steel expertise to a made-in-Ontario solution that will power homes, create good-paying local jobs, and position Canada as a global leader in nuclear innovation. This project by the Ontario Government and OPG is a pivotal step toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future, and we’re proud to help build its foundation.”
– Steven Cohen
Owner, Salit Steel
“Small modular reactors are pivotal to Ontario’s clean energy and economic future. Ontario Tech University is pleased to see the commencement of construction on the first of four SMRs begin at Darlington. As the home of Canada’s only accredited undergraduate nuclear engineering program, we are dedicated to training the next generation of nuclear industry talent from entry to expert. Our students are uniquely positioned to support these investments and will drive innovation and lead the future of clean energy right here in Durham Region.”
– Dr. Steven Murphy
President and Vice-Chancellor, Ontario Tech University
“The Ontario Chamber has long advocated for investments in diverse forms of clean energy — including SMRs — to help meet electricity demand for a growing economy. Today’s announcement – and its exciting opportunities for Ontario companies – supports our businesses and workers, positions Ontario as a global nuclear innovation leader, and helps ensure clean, reliable and affordable energy to power our future.”
– Daniel Tisch
President and Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Chamber of Commerce
“The IBEW Local Union 353 appreciates all the continued hard work and support by the Ontario Government – we maintain the growth in developing education programs that support our members in preserving the quality of work that our customers expect. The experience with our members and contractors that we have gained over the last 10 years together has helped us to build valued partnerships and expand community outreach programs that are building our province.”
– Salvatore Maltese
Business Rep, IBEW Local Union 353
“BWXT applauds the leadership shown by the Ontario government and OPG to secure the economic and environmental future of Ontario through this historic nuclear energy project. Our team is now manufacturing the first reactor pressure vessel for Darlington and we proudly embrace our role as a key partner to the Canadian nuclear industry.”
– John MacQuarrie
President, Commercial Operations, BWXT
From the Frontier Centre for Public Policy
Without infrastructure, Canada is losing billions while the U.S. cashes in on our oil and gas
Canada’s energy wealth is stuck in traffic, and our American neighbours are cashing in. It’s worse than that. Canada is bleeding millions of dollars daily because it lacks the infrastructure to export its natural resources efficiently.
While our oil and gas continue to flow—mainly to the United States—provinces like Alberta and British Columbia are forced to sell at steep discounts. This isn’t just an economic inefficiency; it’s a structural failure of national policy. The beneficiaries? American businesses and their governments which pocket the profits and tax revenues that should be circulating through the Canadian economy. This is no way to achieve economic sovereignty for Canada.
With U.S. interests reaping the rewards, this should have been a central talking point when Prime Minister Carney met with President Trump earlier this month.
Ottawa often offers the recent completion of the Trans Mountain Expansion (TMX) pipeline as an example of federal support for the energy sector. But such claims are misleading. Kinder Morgan, a private enterprise, had initially planned to build the extension without a penny from taxpayers. It withdrew only after being crippled by federal regulatory delays and political uncertainty.
Ottawa stepped in not as a benevolent saviour to help Albertans, but to prevent lawsuits and save face—ultimately overpaying for the pipeline and watching construction costs balloon to nearly six times the original estimate.
To now declare this bungled project a “gift” to Alberta, as a recent op-ed in the Toronto Star did, is not only tone-deaf: it’s an insult. It ignores the fact that Alberta’s taxpayers helped finance the very project Ottawa botched. It also reveals an astonishing lack of understanding of the historical, economic and political dynamics at play between Ottawa and Western Canada.
The tragedy is that TMX, despite its importance, is insufficient. Our infrastructure bottlenecks remain. With each passing day, Canada forfeits wealth that could fund essential improvements in health care, education and national defence.
According to the Frontier Centre for Public Policy, which has developed a real-time tracker to monitor these losses, the price differential between what we could earn on global markets versus what we settle for domestically adds up to $26.5 billion annually.
Ottawa’s reluctance to greenlight new infrastructure is a primary cause of this problem. Ironically, the losses from this reluctance in a single year would be enough to pay for another TMX, mismanaged or not. The solution lies in a national commitment to building utility corridors: designated routes that facilitate the movement of energy, goods and services unhindered across provincial boundaries.
Carney’s recent promise to remove all interprovincial trade barriers by July 1 is a nice soundbite. But unless it includes meaningful infrastructure commitments, it is bound to fail like every other rhetorical flourish before it.
Canadians should be rightly skeptical. After all, what Ottawa has failed to achieve in the 157 years since Confederation is unlikely to be accomplished in the next 60 days.
The political math doesn’t help either. The Bloc Québécois holds the balance of power in the 45th Parliament, and its obstructionist stance on national pipeline development ensures the advent of more gridlock, not less. The federal government continues to uphold Bill C-69—dubbed the “no-pipelines bill”—further entrenching the status quo.
Meanwhile, Canada remains in the absurd position of relying on U.S. infrastructure to transport oil from the West to Ontario and Quebec. This undermines our economic independence, energy security and national sovereignty. No amount of “elbows up” will correct this enormous gap.
If the prime minister is serious about transforming Canada’s economic landscape and making the country strong, he must bypass the Bloc by cooperating with the Official Opposition. A grand bargain focused on utility corridors, interprovincial infrastructure and national trade efficiency would serve Alberta, Saskatchewan, and every Canadian who depends on a strong and self-reliant economy.
The stakes are high. We need a more productive country to face challenges within Canada and from abroad. Billions in lost revenue could fund new hospitals, more schools and better military readiness.
Instead, along with the limited exports of oil and gas, we’re exporting great opportunities to middlemen—and greater economic strength—south of the border.
The path forward is clear. A strong, self-reliant Canada needs infrastructure. It needs corridors. It needs leadership.
Marco Navarro-Genie is the vice president of research at the Frontier Centre for Public Policy. He is coauthor, with Barry Cooper, of Canada’s COVID: The Story of a Pandemic Moral Panic (2023).
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