Pierre Poilievre announcing plans to reduce fuel tax
OTTAWA — Federal Conservatives are raising concerns about the pace of progress on major resource and infrastructure projects, calling on the Liberal government to deliver clearer results.
In a statement Thursday, Conservative energy critic Shannon Stubbs said recent committee testimony from Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Major Projects Office CEO Dawn Farrell highlighted what she described as a lack of tangible outcomes since the office was created.
Stubbs said 275 projects have been submitted to the Major Projects Office since its launch eight months ago, but none have been designated as being in Canada’s national interest.
“Eight months after the MPO was established, 275 projects have been submitted, but not a single one has been designated as being in Canada’s national interest,” she said.
She also pointed to uncertainty around whether a proposed pipeline to the Pacific would meet that threshold, saying officials declined to confirm the project’s status during testimony.
“This made clear that the Liberals are far from serious on delivering a pipeline,” Stubbs said.
The Conservatives are also questioning oversight of the office, including how potential conflicts of interest are managed for staff with private sector ties and whether foreign ownership is being adequately considered in project reviews.
Stubbs said the concerns come amid broader economic challenges, including lower investment and productivity levels compared with other G7 countries.
She said Conservatives would focus on policies aimed at increasing energy development, reducing regulatory barriers and boosting economic growth.
The federal government has said the Major Projects Office is intended to streamline approvals and accelerate development of key projects, though officials have indicated the review process remains ongoing.
Comments