Canada’s energy sector may be extending an olive branch — or a pipeline — to newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney, offering him a rare chance to reset one of the nation’s most fractious economic and political relationships.
After years of bruising battles over emissions caps, pipeline paralysis, and what many in the West saw as Ottawa’s climate-first-economy-last posture, oil and gas leaders say they’re ready to work with Carney if he’s willing to meet them halfway.
In a series of open letters and coordinated statements, major industry players congratulated Carney on his victory while urging him to make good on campaign promises to streamline approvals, fast-track infrastructure, and ditch punitive emissions policies.
The message was clear: Canada’s energy sector is open for business — but only if Ottawa finally puts economic pragmatism ahead of green posturing especially as trade tensions with the US escalate.
“This moment marks not only the first chapter for your government but also a vital opportunity for our nation to come together around shared goals and build the trust necessary to get big things done,” about three dozen of the country’s most influential CEOs wrote in an open letter.
These were the same ones who wrote in March to urge political leaders to declare a national energy emergency to speed the development of projects in the ‘national interest’.
“As business leaders in Canada, we look forward to working constructively with you and your cabinet to achieve our energy sector’s potential and our shared goal to position our country as a global energy superpower.”
Carney, a former central banker with global cachet and a technocratic sheen, campaigned on an ambitious platform that included creating “energy corridors” to expedite cross-border pipelines to both coasts.
The rhetoric marked a sharp departure from the Trudeau-era policies that frequently placed climate targets above national development goals and drew heavy criticism from Alberta and Saskatchewan.
One of the loudest voices calling for change is Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who delivered a hard-edged set of nine demands to Ottawa within days of Carney’s swearing-in.
Her list includes eliminating emissions caps, scrapping net-zero legislation, and slashing approval times for major projects from years to mere months.
She’s also reiterated her willingness to hold a referendum on Alberta independence “if voters ask for it,” as Western alienation reaches levels not seen since the height of the National Energy Program.
“Our sovereignty, economic and otherwise, begins with unlocking the full value of our natural resources,” Smith said, echoing rising support for separatist sentiment in the province. “Ottawa has a choice: partner with us or continue pushing us away.”
Energy industry leaders, sensing a shift in political winds, are urging Carney to seize the opportunity.
“With abundant resources, a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, and a world hungry for energy, the question isn’t whether Canada should lead—it’s whether it will be allowed to,” said Lisa Baiton, CEO of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers. “We are ready to deliver energy security, jobs, and investment. But we can’t do it under a mountain of federal red tape.”
Notably, these demands are not coming solely from Alberta. The call to action has found support from across Canada’s energy landscape including LNG developers in BC, offshore players in Newfoundland and pipeline advocates in Ontario — everywhere except Quebec.
On Tuesday, Bloc Quebecois leader was aready pouring cold water on any chance of reconciliation. "There's no future for oil and gas at least in Quebec and probably everywhere," he said.
Nonetheless, the vast majority of Canadians feel Canada’s energy policies need to stop punishing success.
“The time to act is now,” wrote Mark Scholz of the Canadian Association of Energy Contractors (CAOEC). “This election marked a defining shift in Canada’s energy future. The debate is no longer whether to develop our natural resources—it’s how swiftly and boldly we can advance.”
The path forward won’t be easy. Carney must navigate a House divided, international climate commitments, and the ever-prickly relationship with Washington — not to mention Quebec.
But he may have little choice but to finally do what past Liberal governments have long avoided: say ‘yes’ to oil and gas.