OTTAWA – The federal Liberals are pointing to the unpredictable wrath of the American president as further proof for their argument that Canada needs the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion to reduce its trade dependence on the United States.
The U.S. is currently the destination for 99 per cent of Canada’s oil exports — a fact the Liberals cite as evidence in favour of building Trans Mountain, which would allow Canadian bitumen to be shipped to Asia by sea.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said as much today during question period, saying the events of the past week demonstrate more than ever the importance of finding new export markets.
Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr agrees, saying the strained relationship with the Trump White House underscores the need for diversification.
However, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh argues Canada should be investing in clean technology to develop and grow the energy sources of the future.