The Need for Canadian Energy Independence

Canadian energy independence is crucial in the effort to promote true sovereignty.  Energy independence would allow Canada to rely on its vast natural resources, reducing vulnerability to global price swings, and enhancing national security.  It would also bolster the economy by creating jobs and supporting environmental goals through domestic regulations and investment in sustainable energy sources.

1) Economic Resiliency and Growth

Achieving energy independence strengthens Canada's economy by keeping energy-related related revenue within the country.  With domestic production and reduced reliance on foreign sources, Canada can reinvest in local industries, create jobs, and foster technological advances in energy production.  Energy independence helps stabilize energy costs, benefitting both consumers and businesses while contributing to long-term economic growth.

2) Energy Security and Reliability

Relying on foreign energy sources makes Canada vulnerable to geopolitical instability, trade disputes, and supply chain disruptions.  By developing domestic energy sources, Canada can ensure a reliable and consistent energy supply, protecting its citizens and the economy from fluctuations and shortages caused by international conflicts or trade issues.

3) Environmental and Climate Leadership

A focus on domestic energy resources, particularly renewable sources, aligns with Canada's environmental goals thus reducing reliance on high emission imports.  By investing in clean and sustainable energy within its borders, Canada can reduce its carbon footprint, meet international climate commitments, and position itself as a global leader in green energy practices.

4) Improving Energy Affordability for Canadians

With control over its energy sources by ending constant project cancellations or bogging initiatives down in insurmountable red tape, Canada can better manage energy prices, benefitting households and businesses.  Reduced dependence on volatile global markets, while we have more than sufficient resources domestically, means more stable pricing and potential savings for Canadian consumers.  This would enhance overall economic stability and reduce energy poverty.

5) Empowering Indigenous Communities

Energy independence would provide opportunities for indigenous communities and remote locations to engage in energy projects, creating indigenous job prospects, positive partnerships and generating income.  These initiatives would have a positive impact on a path towards indigenous economic independence and reducing a culture of relying on government aid, while fostering self-reliance.  With local energy production, Canada can encourage inclusive economic growth, foster regional development, and address the energy needs of underserved locations.

6) Strategic Geopolitical Advantage

As an energy independent nation, Canada can pursue a foreign policy free from energy-related vulnerabilities, and strengthening its sovereignty.  With abundant natural resources, Canada could export energy to allies, increasing its influence on the global stage while maintaining strong domestic energy security.  However, in order to achieve this goal, it is imperative that government promotes pipelines and reduces excess regulations and permitting that make pipeline projects financially unfeasible.  

In conclusion, energy independence has many advantages, however the current Liberal government, along with the Democratic administration in the U.S. has hindered pipeline projects and taken a far too aggressive approach towards reducing the production of oil and gas.  The use of fossil fuels is not going to diminish in the near future, therefore we should promote realistic goals for reduced dependence on these commodities.  If Canada would adopt the Trump policy of "drill baby drill", it could position itself as a nation signaling that its ready to do business as opposed to fighting an unrealistic battle for a reduction in the use of oil and gas and damaging the countries economy, we could become a much more independent and prosperous nation.