Conservative Lakeland MP Shannon Stubbs says Ottawa must act faster on several issues affecting western Canadians.
Issues included everything from intercity transit and energy policy to federal spending and crime.
Stubbs said the federal government has not offered solutions for improving intercity transportation in northern Alberta, leaving communities reliant on cars and buses. In Lloydminster, those are the two ways most people leave the community.
Read more: Carney delays electric vehicle sales mandate by one year, launches cost review
“The federal role would be funding partnerships, and those would have to be sought by the provinces and the municipalities, and of course our office. We are happy to play a key role in advocating for funding partnerships that will help that intercity transportation,” she said.
Stubbs criticized Liberal electric vehicle mandates, saying they are unrealistic and risky given Canada’s power grid.
“I am a pro-consumer choice, so I think individuals should have the freedom to choose whatever vehicles they want that works for their lifestyle, their daily needs and are affordable and accessible for any Canadian, no matter where they live,” she said.
“The Liberals’ plan on EV mandates and banning gas and diesel-powered cars by 2035 is a colossal mistake. It will be unaffordable for most Canadians. It will require buckets of subsidies, which the government doesn’t have because the cupboard is bare.”
She said Ottawa has not considered the grid’s capacity to support widespread EV adoption.
“The truth is, there isn’t even enough generation or distribution capacity to meet the electrical requirements a significant uptake in EV drivers would require,” said Stubbs.
On federal spending, Stubbs criticized money sent overseas to build B.C. ferries.
“We are also advocating that billion dollars the government has sent to have B.C. ferries built in Beijing. They should get every dollar back and that should also go to compensate Canadian canola farmers,” she said.
Stubbs said Ottawa must prioritize solutions that reflect western realities.
Read more: Here are the first major projects on Ottawa’s fast-track list
