In a bid to address the contentious trade relationship between Canada and the United States, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has made an energy pitch to President Joe Biden’s predecessor, Donald Trump. Poilievre, who hopes to become the next Prime Minister of Canada, is proposing a mutually beneficial strategy that would see Canada export more energy resources to the US while investing in Arctic security.

Poilievre’s Proposal

Poilievre argues that the trade surplus between Canada and the US is not as significant as some might think. He claims that much of the fuel exported from Canada goes south because there are few alternatives, with only one oil-export pipeline connecting to an ocean port in British Columbia.

"We’re handing over our resources stupidly," Poilievre said. "It’s not the Americans’ fault; it’s our fault, we’re stupid. And we’re going to stop being stupid when I’m prime minister."

Key Components of Poilievre’s Plan

1. Expedited Resource Project Approvals: Poilievre has held talks with conservative leaders in Alberta and Saskatchewan to expedite the approval process for resource projects.
2. Exporting Critical Minerals: He proposes ramping up extraction and exportation of critical minerals that are in high demand by both countries, reducing reliance on supplies from unfriendly states like China.
3. Increased Energy Exports: Poilievre aims to increase energy exports to the US, supporting American jobs where resources are processed downstream.

Addressing U.S. Concerns

Poilievre has also addressed concerns about border trafficking and military spending, promising a Conservative government would invest the gains from his energy-exporting strategy in Arctic security. He notes that Canada is currently far short of meeting its North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) defense spending target.

"I can fund a more robust military and continental defence if I have more free trade with the greatest economy the world has ever seen — and we can both win," Poilievre said.

Reaction to Poilievre’s Plan

While some may view Poilievre’s plan as an attempt to appease Trump, others see it as a necessary step towards strengthening Canada’s position in international trade. Economists have criticized Trump for misrepresenting the scale of Canada’s trade surplus, and they welcome any move that could lead to increased cooperation between the two nations.

In conclusion, Pierre Poilievre’s energy pitch to Trump is an attempt to revamp the complex relationship between Canada and the US. By focusing on mutually beneficial initiatives such as expedited resource project approvals and increased energy exports, Poilievre hopes to create a "great deal" for both countries.