Liberal Member of Parliament Steven Guilbeault has been vocal in his criticism of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent environmental policy changes, but he is not alone in his party in expressing dissatisfaction. Last week, Carney signed a new agreement with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith that could pave the way for the construction of an oil pipeline to the West Coast as early as September 2027. The agreement also includes a plan to gradually increase Alberta’s industrial carbon price, though at a slower rate than previously anticipated.
Before the agreement with the Alberta government was finalized, fourteen Liberal MPs, who chose to remain anonymous, sent a letter to Prime Minister Carney at the end of April. In the letter, they offered recommendations and expressed their concerns about the situation. The MPs emphasized their intention for their approach to be constructive and respectful, stating that the government’s credibility could be at risk.
The MPs, representing regions across Canada, including Quebec and British Columbia, reiterated the importance of supporting clean electricity regulations in response to the concessions made to Alberta. They also highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change, calling it the greatest threat of our time.
As of the latest update, the Prime Minister’s Office had not provided a response to the MPs’ letter. The Bloc Québécois is urging discontented Liberal MPs who are sensitive to climate issues to speak out before the parliamentary session breaks for the summer. Bloc MP Patrick Bonin emphasized that they would utilize all available parliamentary tools to amplify the voices of those concerned about the climate crisis.
Currently, only Guilbeault has publicly criticized Carney’s recent proposals to relax environmental regulations to attract investors for a potential pipeline in Alberta. Bonin expressed hope that more Liberal MPs would step forward publicly to challenge the agenda of the oil and gas industry that Carney’s proposals seem to align with.