Why Canada Must Repeal the Oil & Gas Emissions Cap

I spoke in the House of Commons about an issue that strikes at the heart of Canada’s energy future—and our role in reducing global emissions. The government’s proposed oil and gas emissions cap is being sold as a climate measure, but let’s be clear: an emissions cap is a production cap.

Here’s why this matters:

• If Canada truly wants to help the world lower emissions, we need to increase LNG exports to displace coal in Asia and beyond. That’s the fastest way to cut global emissions this decade.
• Our allies are asking for secure, reliable energy. Energy security is national security. If we cap Canadian production, we leave them vulnerable—and hand the advantage to countries with weaker environmental standards.
• Even the Prime Minister has said LNG expansion is a “nation-building project.” But how can we double LNG output under a hard sector-specific cap? It doesn’t add up.
• Meanwhile, OPEC+ is increasing production. If we step back, others will fill the gap—often with higher emissions per barrel.

Canada has made real progress: oil sands emissions intensity is down nearly 30% since 2009, and Canadian LNG can be among the cleanest in the world thanks to our clean electricity and strict methane rules. We should build on that success, not cap it.

Watch my full speech below to hear why I believe this policy is the wrong approach—and what a better path forward looks like.

Related Material

Consult the Official Hansard transcript of the speech.