Madam Speaker, Canadians have always come together to seize new opportunities and set paths for future generations, and in this moment of challenge, we will see the same. Canadians can find consensus even when it seemed previously unattainable.

Our government has said repeatedly that it is prepared to work towards building new energy infrastructure in many forms. That includes interprovincial electricity transmission, and it extends to pipeline projects if consensus exists and if proponents come forward. However, there is an important principle guiding this openness: Clean technology must also be put in place so that we can meaningfully reduce associated emissions.

Our ambition as a country is nothing short of being a clean and conventional energy superpower. Increasingly, our customers are demanding oil and gas developed to high social and environmental standards. As mentioned, steel, for example, is built to those high environmental standards. In a changing climate and in an uncertain world, it is a sentiment Canadians share.

We are committed to a future in which Canadian energy projects lead in both economic value for our workers and communities and in climate responsibility and innovation. It is the better way, and doing better is going to take all of us. That is why we work with the provinces, stakeholders from across sectors and interests and always with indigenous rights holders. This is why we established the major projects office, an initiative that acts as a single point of contact to prioritize and help streamline transformative major projects in Canada that, under the Building Canada Act, are intended to strengthen Canada's autonomy, resilience and security; provide economic or other benefits to Canada; have a high likelihood of being successfully executed; advance the interests of indigenous peoples; and contribute to clean growth in meeting Canada's climate change objectives. Through this office, we support proposals that meet the environmental standards Canadians demand, embrace the latest technological innovations and respond to the needs of indigenous peoples, local communities and Canadian businesses.

On that list, as it was announced recently, some needed a nudge, some a big lift, but all will benefit from the help and all needed assistance getting over the finish line. Projects such as LNG Canada phase 2 and pathways plus, in which the “plus” is a pipeline or other type of egress, now under consideration by the office, demonstrate that resolve.

To be built, many projects will require Canadian steel. As mentioned, it is the cleanest, most environmentally friendly steel.

Without any hesitation, I can say today that our government will stand firmly behind Canadian workers and the use of Canadian materials, including Canadian steel, for infrastructure projects that move forward. Our commitment to Canadian steel workers is resolute, as was affirmed by the Prime Minister when he announced new measures to protect and strengthen Canada's steel industry and the communities that rely on it for goods and good, sustainable jobs.

As the Prime Minister announced in July, we will ensure that Canadian steel and other Canadian materials are prioritized in construction. We are also changing federal procurement processes so that companies contracting with the federal government are required to source their steel from Canadian companies. This is more than just economic policy; it is an expression of support for the many families who depend on the steel industry for income and an expression of firm belief in Canada.

This spirit can also be found in the new “build Canada homes” initiative. Through it, the government is executing large-scale procurement from Canadian sources to accelerate the adoption of modern methods of construction. By focusing on Canadian workers and materials for these developments on public lands, “build Canada homes” is helping to fill critical market gaps.

In all of this, our government remains pragmatic and forward-looking. We are driven by the conviction that the future belongs to those who innovate, co-operate and build with purpose. By working together across governments, industries, communities and even, dare I hope, across the aisle, we can and will build Canada strong.

Corey Hogan

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Adjournment Proceedings

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