Lakeland MP Shannon Stubbs is criticizing the federal government’s approach to pipeline development and carbon taxation, arguing Ottawa’s policies continue to create barriers for major energy infrastructure projects in Canada.

In a statement released this week, Stubbs said Canadians should recognize Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and the Government of Alberta for their efforts to pursue pipeline access beyond the United States.

“All Canadians should appreciate the Premier and Government of Alberta’s many efforts to deliver a pipeline beyond the U.S. that will benefit all of Canada with more independence, leverage and affordability,” Stubbs said.

Stubbs pointed to previous comments from Prime Minister Mark Carney, saying he had promised Canadians a pipeline to the Pacific nearly a year ago. However, she argued little tangible progress has been made.

“There is still no private sector proponent willing to propose or build a Pacific pipeline, no actual construction start or end dates because there’s no proponent, no selected route(s), no federal Indigenous consultation, and no permits,” she said.

Stubbs also criticized the continuation of the federal industrial carbon tax, claiming it increases costs for producers, businesses and exporters while making Canadian projects less competitive globally.

“The maintenance of an escalating federal industrial carbon tax on Canadian producers, businesses and exporters that global competitors like the U.S. do not self inflict federally, will hike costs for everything and slow down oil and gas production and pipelines,” Stubbs stated.

The Lakeland MP contrasted Conservative and Liberal approaches to energy development, saying Conservatives support expanding pipeline infrastructure while removing federal carbon taxes and reducing approval timelines.

According to Stubbs, a Conservative plan would include eliminating the federal industrial carbon tax, setting a one-year maximum approval timeline for major projects with a six-month target, reducing federal overlap in provincial approvals and repealing what she described as “anti-development laws and regulations.”

“This plan would unleash private sector investment to build major projects without the need for government overreach for the benefit of all Canadians,” Stubbs said.

Pipeline expansion and energy infrastructure continue to be major political and economic issues in Alberta, particularly in northeastern Alberta where oil and gas remains a key driver of employment and regional development.