Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you, members of the committee, for the invitation to appear today.
I'd like to acknowledge that I'm speaking from the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe nation today.
In a world marked by rapid change and shifting trade patterns, Canada's energy resources across conventional, clean and emerging sectors give us a competitive advantage. Energy exports in fuels, uranium and electricity already represent more than $200 billion in value and almost one-third of the goods we export.
Today, nearly all those exports flow to a single market. Expanding our global reach strengthens Canada's resilience and creates new opportunities for workers, communities and industries across the country. Canada is stepping up as a reliable partner on the world stage. It has committed to producing an additional 140,000 barrels per day starting this month—a clear example of the role Canada can play when our allies face uncertainty.
To respond to that uncertainty at home, the federal government announced earlier today that it is providing relief to Canadians through the pausing of the excise tax on fuel.
However, our long‑term ambition goes well beyond responding to crises. Canada's energy exports can advance global energy security, accelerate climate change progress and create good jobs here at home, while deepening partnerships with indigenous communities and expanding opportunities in every region.
The memorandum of understanding with Alberta is one way for the government to develop Canada's full energy potential and expand access to global markets. Under that agreement, the government anticipates new applications for a privately funded east‑to‑west pipeline by July 1.
Both governments agree on the importance of the pathways plus carbon capture project and industrial carbon pricing, reflecting a shared commitment to responsible development. Alberta has also committed to working with British Columbia to ensure that benefits reach communities in that province.
Taken together, these steps show how Canada can modernize approvals, strengthen infrastructure and expand market access, delivering more Canadian energy to global customers. These actions form part of a broader shift to show how Canada is positioning itself for the future not only by expanding the energy we can deliver abroad, but also by ensuring that what we deliver is cleaner, more reliable and able to compete in a rapidly changing world.
The government's climate competitiveness strategy lays out a clear objective to make Canadian energy products more competitive in a world that values low‑carbon, reliable and responsibly produced energy. To that end, budget 2025 includes measures that strengthen Canada's ability to expand energy exports, in particular the $5‑billion trade diversification corridors fund. Budget 2025 also invests $4 million to maintain Natural Resources Canada's capacity to promote nuclear energy exports and engage with priority markets.
Moreover, the budget reinstates accelerated capital cost allowances for low-carbon LNG facilities, making new investment more attractive and rewarding projects with strong emissions performance.
Amendments to the Canadian Energy Regulator Act extend LNG export licences to 50 years, giving project owners greater certainty for long-term planning, phased investments and competitive returns.
These changes directly benefit the two LNG projects currently before the Major Projects Office, which plays a central role in unlocking export opportunities. Together, these two projects represent tens of billions of dollars in potential investment and thousands of good-paying jobs during construction and long-term operations in both B.C. and Alberta. If all planned LNG projects proceed, Canada could export up to 100 million tonnes of LNG a year by the 2040s, which would be a significant opportunity for workers, industry and our national economy.
Exporting energy only matters if there is global demand. That's why the government is also building strong international relationships.
In early March, Canada and India signed a new strategic energy partnership focused on LNG, petroleum, uranium, solar energy and hydrogen. Through other recent international engagements, agreements and memoranda of understanding, the government is expanding market access, building new partnerships and ensuring that Canada's energy industry and the communities that depend on it are positioned to succeed in the long term.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.