Conservative MP Shannon Stubbs used the opening weeks of the new parliamentary session to press the Liberal government on major project approvals, economic sovereignty and food affordability.
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Stubbs, the MP for Lakeland and the Conservatives’ shadow minister for energy and natural resources, moved the first Official Opposition motion of the year on Jan. 27, calling for a day of debate on what Conservatives describe as Canada’s economic sovereignty.
Seconded by Newfoundland and Labrador MP Carol Anstey, the motion urged the government to introduce a Canada Sovereignty Act aimed at boosting resource development and investment. It called for repealing several federal laws and policies Conservatives argue hinder major projects, including Bills C-69 and C-48, the industrial carbon tax, the oil and gas emissions cap and federal mandates on vehicle sales.
The proposed act would also require a plan to protect Canadian ownership of strategic technologies and assets, introduce tax incentives for reinvestment in Canadian projects and reward provinces for removing interprovincial trade barriers.
During debate, Stubbs said the federal government has failed to deliver results on its promises to accelerate major infrastructure and resource projects.
“Canadians are struggling and worried about their futures,” Stubbs told the House. “There are no actual results for all the promises the prime minister made more than half a year ago about nation-building projects getting built.”
She pointed to stalled projects and capital leaving Canada as evidence federal policies continue to discourage development.
“More than 60 major projects with real proponents are stuck in front of federal regulators,” Stubbs said. “More investment flows out of Canada into the U.S. than the other way around, which is a historical anomaly that started in 2015.”
The motion was supported by Conservative MPs but did not pass.
Stubbs also voted Feb. 4 in favour of a Conservative motion calling on the government to introduce a food affordability plan, including removing what Conservatives describe as hidden taxes that increase grocery costs, such as the industrial carbon tax and a federal food packaging levy.
Separately, Stubbs was recently named to a special joint committee of MPs and senators overseeing the exercise of powers under the Building Canada Act. The committee was created following an amendment she introduced to Bill C-5, which expanded federal authority to fast-track certain projects.
At the House of Commons natural resources committee, Stubbs questioned witnesses about federal regulatory processes and the pace of project approvals, expressing concern that proposed fast-tracking measures lack clarity.
Stubbs continues to serve on parliamentary committees this session in her role as shadow minister for energy and natural resources.
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