Speaking to reporters from Saint John, NB, on Wednesday, Freeland was asked whether Canada should do more to supply European countries with LNG — liquefied natural gas — as those countries rapidly reduce their reliance on Russian fuel after its invasion of Ukraine. “I think energy security today, more than ever, is a security issue, and Canada is really lucky. We have a lot of energy. I think it’s a political responsibility for us as a country to support our allies with energy security,” Freeland said in response. “This is a very difficult time for many European countries right now as they move away from their dependence on Russian oil and gas, and I think it’s very important for Canada to step up and say, ‘We’re going to help you.’ Story continues below ad He continued: “Well, yes, I think there is a role for the federal government working with the provincial governments, working with the private sector, working with our European allies to make that happen.” However, as to whether she supported a plant in Saint John specifically, Freeland would not say. Trending Stories
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“I think this is not the time to pick specific projects,” he said.
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Canadian leaders in recent years have increasingly touted LNG as a more viable and competitive product for investors amid a global push to reduce emissions and mitigate climate change. However, investors including Warren Buffet expressed concerns in 2020 about the “current Canadian context” around LNG, which was widely interpreted as skepticism about the response to rail blockades and protests against the Coast GasLink pipeline on the West Coast . Fast forward two years, and the global situation is very different.
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Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine triggered massive and sustained rounds of sanctions targeting its leaders, financial institutions and key industries, including oil and gas. Story continues below ad In response, Russia has choked gas supplies through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline to Europe, and countries such as Germany now face the prospect of a winter gas shortage. That pipeline carries about 55 billion cubic meters of natural gas each year, and Russia has cut the flow to about 20 percent despite Canada’s return of a controversial turbine from the pipeline that was in Montreal for repairs. Foreign Minister Melanie Joly held a press conference with her German counterpart earlier Wednesday and described the decision as one that “calls Putin’s bluff” and removes any reasonable excuse for not restoring the flow of natural gas through Nord Stream 1. © 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
