Carney and Poilievre have both pledged ‘energy corridors.’ That could be complicated

Liberal Leader Mark Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre have put forward energy development plans that aim to fast-track regulatory processes and create energy corridors to boost natural resource projects in Canada. While both leaders are receiving praise for their proposals, industry analysts and observers are warning that there may be significant challenges ahead.

Mark Carney has proposed cutting approval wait times for major resource projects from five years to two, while Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives are aiming for a one-year maximum review time, with a target of six months. Both leaders have emphasized the need to reduce reliance on the U.S. in light of recent tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.

Carney envisions the creation of trade and energy corridors for various projects deemed to be in the national interest, including transport, energy, critical minerals, and digital connectivity. On the other hand, Poilievre has outlined plans for a “Canada First” National Energy Corridor that would fast-track approvals for critical infrastructure projects across the country.

However, some experts are raising questions about the feasibility of these proposals. Monica Gattinger, chair of the University of Ottawa’s positive energy program, highlights the need for a clear definition of what constitutes an energy corridor. She emphasizes the complexity of the approval process, which involves considerations such as landholder rights, protected areas, and Indigenous communities.

Martha Hall Findlay, director of the University of Calgary’s school of public policy, notes that both Carney and Poilievre are emphasizing the importance of Canadian energy to the economy. She underscores the need for a comprehensive approach that takes into account community interests, regional concerns, and Indigenous community interests.

While some are skeptical of Poilievre’s corridor plan, others are calling for more specificity from Carney, particularly regarding oil pipelines. Gattinger points out the need for a stable policy framework to attract investment, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding issues like carbon pricing and emissions caps.

Overall, while both leaders are focused on streamlining regulatory processes to expedite project approvals, experts caution that a more holistic approach is needed to address the broader challenges facing the energy sector in Canada. It remains to be seen how these proposals will be implemented and whether they will effectively address the complexities of energy development in the country.