Liberal leader Mark Carney unveiled an ambitious plan in Calgary Wednesday to transform Canada into the world’s leading energy superpower, vowing to bolster the country’s energy sector in the face of mounting pressure from U.S. tariffs under former President Donald Trump.
Carney said the strategy would secure Canada's energy sovereignty, protect jobs, and drive economic growth while positioning the country at the forefront of the global energy transition.
“President Trump wants to weaken us so America can own us,” Carney said. “Our response is to fight, protect, and build.”
The plan focuses on enhancing energy security, diversifying trade, and strengthening long-term competitiveness. Carney emphasized that Canada’s energy sector — which supports 700,000 jobs — is central to national resilience and prosperity.
Carney’s approach includes major spending on critical minerals, clean energy infrastructure, and fast-tracked regulatory processes. A proposed First and Last Mile Fund will help connect critical mineral projects to supply chains, while additional spending will target exploration, recycling, and expansion of tax credits to attract and de-risk investment.
To speed up clean energy development, a Carney-led government would identify and prioritize Projects of National Interest in cooperation with provinces, territories, and indigenous communities.
These projects would benefit from streamlined regulatory reviews under a “One Project, One Review” model, with a two-year approval target. A newly proposed Major Federal Project Office would oversee the process.
The Liberals also pledged to expand indigenous participation in energy development by doubling the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program to $10 billion and increasing early-stage funding to support community engagement.
To reduce dependence on the U.S. and promote trade diversification, Carney’s plan includes the development of a national trade and energy corridor, and a historic East-West electricity grid to guarantee affordable, clean energy for Canadians.
“We can lead the energy transition while ensuring affordable energy at home and building the strongest economy in the G7,” Carney said.
He committed to continued collaboration with the oil and gas sector to reduce emissions efficiently, while ensuring Canadian competitiveness under the Impact Assessment Act.
Carney’s plan comes with broader economic goals: resisting U.S. protectionism, creating new jobs, cutting middle-class taxes, and modernizing Canada’s energy infrastructure.
“Liberals will build Canada strong,” Carney concluded.
