Freeland, speaking to reporters in Saint John, New Brunswick, said the federal government must step up to support its allies in the face of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. The comments are the strongest yet from a Canadian official in support of building new export infrastructure along Canada’s east coast to supply Europe with liquefied natural gas. “I think it’s a political responsibility for us as a country to support our allies with energy security,” Freeland told reporters, adding that Canada is fortunate to have abundant energy reserves. European countries are having a “difficult time” at the moment as they move away from Russian oil and gas, Freeland said, adding that she has discussed LNG projects directly with her German “counterparts”. “I think it’s very important for Canada to step up and say, we’re going to help you, we’re going to help replace this energy,” Freeland said. “So, yes, I think there’s a role for the federal government, working with provincial governments, working with the private sector, working with our European allies to make that happen.” Freeland was specifically asked about a Saint John facility owned by Spanish energy company Repsol SA, which it said is studying the possibility of building liquefaction capacity at the site. Freeland said it was “very familiar” with the Repsol project, but also with other proposals to build new LNG terminals, and that “this is not the time to choose specific projects”. The Repsol project is widely seen as the most likely to operate quickly because it relies on existing infrastructure. Freeland told reporters she will meet with energy industry leaders on her current trip to Atlantic Canada.
