LNG projects must be a national priority
As published in the National Post
On March 21, 1951, Canada redefined its future. Led by Liberal Minister of Trade and Commerce, C. D. Howe, the creation of TransCanada Pipelines united provinces, powered communities, created jobs, and forged a bold national identity. Now, another pivotal moment is upon us. LNG projects off Canada’s West Coast offer us the chance to propel the country to the forefront of global energy as the fifth-largest LNG exporter. The question is clear: will we rise with vision and decisiveness, or will we hesitate and risk falling behind?
Make no mistake: Canada is in an energy race. Our neighbour to the south has made aggressive strides the past 60 days, issuing executive orders, sending positive signals to export markets, and acting to unleash liquified natural gas (LNG) exports.
Alaska LNG poses new challenges for Canada as a competitor in the global energy market. Although we are likely three to five years ahead, Canada should accelerate its LNG projects to remain competitive and create the regulatory conditions to attract investment at home. Energy security has never been more important to Canada or to our allies in the current geopolitical climate. Without control over such a critical resource, can we truly say that we are sovereign? If we do not accelerate our own efforts to innovate and compete, we will cede valuable market share.
One key initiative that underscores Canada’s potential is phase two of our Coastal GasLink project. Through adding compression along the existing pipeline, we would enable the LNGC facility to double its capacity and move Canada to a top five global LNG exporter. This is without any additional pipelines. This ambitious expansion, should it be approved, would significantly bolster Canada’s ability to supply more LNG to international markets, particularly Asia, where it can displace higher-emitting sources of energy like coal. Canada can leverage its abundant natural resources and advanced energy technology, to position itself as a critical player in the global energy transition while simultaneously driving economic growth and job creation at home.
Let’s be proud Canadians and unite around nation-building projects. By using this opportunity, we can create jobs for families, build economic prosperity at home while fostering energy security abroad, fulfilling a legacy of innovation and collaboration that benefits all Canadians.
Yet, while Canada is rich in resources and opportunity, we are constrained by outdated regulatory frameworks that hinder progress. In 1956, the construction of the 2,300 km TransCanada Mainline took approximately two years. Today, natural gas permitting processes can take two to four times longer than the actual construction, causing delays and economic setbacks. From proposal to completion, the 670 km Coastal GasLink pipeline took more than a decade.
That is why TC Energy is among 14 energy companies that published an open letter last week in response to political parties’ priorities to attract investment to build energy infrastructure.
Protracted approval processes and internal barriers have left Canada lagging behind other nations, particularly the U.S., in delivering energy to global markets. Unfortunately, we have put ourselves in a position where 99 per cent of our natural gas exports go to the U.S. The threat of tariffs has forced us to answer an uneasy question: if one country can upend our markets, are we really economically sovereign? Strengthening our economic sovereignty means being motivated to diversify our markets and rethink our regulatory approach. Canada is uniquely positioned to provide one of the cleanest sources of LNG globally, which can play a significant role in reducing emissions by displacing coal-fired energy in Asia. This makes us as a critical partner in the global energy transition toward a balanced and cleaner future.
Some may argue that an increased focus on energy security distracts from Canada’s climate goals, but these are not mutually exclusive. Rather, natural gas remains essential as a backup for renewables, ensuring grid stability.
Canada’s energy story is one of resilience, innovation, and ambition. It is a legacy shaped by pioneers like those who envisioned the TransCanada Pipeline, uniting a nation and defining its future. The world is watching. Our allies are counting on us. And Canadians deserve an energy sector that delivers for them. We have the demand; we have the resources and we have the opportunity. Our future calls for bold, decisive action — now.
