Mark Carney, the newly appointed Prime Minister of Canada, has emphasized the need for new fossil fuel infrastructure, particularly oil pipelines. In a recent interview, Carney stated, "We as a nation need to build some new pipelines for conventional energy." He expressed support for a pipeline that would transport oil from Alberta to the Atlantic Coast, suggesting that Canada should consider East-West pipelines as well.

Carney's comments come amid changing political dynamics. During the final days of Justin Trudeau's administration, François-Philippe Champagne, the then-industry minister, indicated that an oil pipeline could become a national priority. He noted that Canada might need to adapt to external pressures, including potential U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods.

In March, Carney met with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, where he faced questions about repealing legislation that the oil sector views as obstacles to new infrastructure. While he did not directly address the legislation, he reiterated the importance of building pipelines to reduce reliance on imported oil in eastern Canada. "It’s about getting pipelines built across this country so that we can displace imports of foreign oil," he said.

As the election approached, Carney began to clarify his stance on pipeline construction. In an interview, he acknowledged the need for consensus among provinces and Indigenous communities before any new pipeline could be built. "Will I support building a pipeline? Yes," he stated, emphasizing that he could help facilitate that consensus.

Tim Hodgson, Carney's natural resources minister, also voiced strong support for the energy sector. In a speech delivered in Alberta, he highlighted the importance of energy for Canada's economy and its role in international negotiations. Hodgson did not specify whether he was referring to oil or natural gas but indicated that both could be transported via pipeline.

Recently, Carney suggested that the likelihood of a new oil pipeline proposal is high. During a visit to the Calgary Stampede, he mentioned that the economic opportunities and resources available in Canada make it probable that a project of national interest would emerge. He noted, "It’s highly, highly likely that that will be the case."

In related news, former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has transitioned to a new role, commanding a speaking fee of $100,000 for keynote addresses, reflecting his continued influence in Canadian politics.