Liberals’ anti-energy policy prevents Canada from helping our NATO allies

Ottawa, ON – The Hon. Michael Chong, Conservative Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, James Bezan, Conservative Shadow Minister for Ethics, and Pierre Paul-Hus, Conservative Shadow Minister for Public Services and Procurement, today released the following statement on the news that the Liberal government will allow the return of a gas turbine to Germany:

“Yesterday, Canadians learned that the Liberal government will be releasing a Russian-owned gas turbine currently located in Canada to Germany, which will effectively allow for the turbine’s return to Gazprom, a Russian-state-owned natural gas company. By returning the gas turbine, Canada is circumventing its own sanctions on Russia.

“The Liberal government has failed to recognize Canadian energy as vital to both our economy, as well as Canada and Europe’s collective security. Though the fifth-largest natural gas producer in the world, Canada has failed to step up in this time of extraordinary crisis. As Putin continues to use Russia’s energy supply as leverage against European democracies, it is clear the Liberal government’s commitment to supply 100,000 barrels per day equivalent of natural gas by year’s end is simply not enough.

“Instead of circumventing the global sanctions package meant to punish Putin, the Liberal government should approve new pipelines and liquid natural gas terminals so that Canadian natural gas can displace Russian energy supplies in Europe. Allowing the return of the gas turbine sets a dangerous precedent of folding to Putin’s blackmail of Europe, and will negatively impact Canada’s standing on the world stage.

“It is clear Prime Minister Trudeau was more than willing to allow Europe to become dependent on Russian oil and gas and is now prepared to look the other way while Russia funds its brutal and illegal war in Ukraine with the profits from the energy it sells to Europe.

“Conservatives will continue to stand with Ukraine, the people of Ukraine, and the more than one million Canadians with ties to Ukraine. We will also continue to advocate for policies that strengthen our relationship with our allies like Germany, so they are less reliant on Russian natural gas. Conservatives will call on the government to implement strong measures to counter Russia’s aggression and to strengthen the security of Canada and its allies.”