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OTTAWA — Conservatives introduced a motion in the House of Commons calling for the Liberal government to repeal a series of federal laws and regulations they say are stifling investment, driving up costs and preventing Canada from becoming a globally competitive resource producer.
The motion urges the government to move quickly to cut red tape and remove what Conservatives describe as barriers to development, including the Impact Assessment Act, the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act, the federal industrial carbon tax, the proposed oil and gas emissions cap, the federal electric vehicle sales mandate, plastics manufacturing restrictions and limits on advocacy by energy companies.
In a statement, Conservatives said repealing those measures would allow Canada to export more resources, build major projects and raise incomes, making life more affordable for workers and families.
The party framed the motion as especially urgent amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and escalating trade tensions with the United States, including tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. Conservatives argue federal approval timelines, which they say can stretch nearly two decades for new mines and major projects, have undermined Canada’s ability to diversify trade and access new markets.
They also pointed to recent Employment Insurance figures showing nearly 600,000 Canadians receiving benefits, while citing food bank usage that has surpassed two million visits in a single month.
Conservatives accused Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government of failing to launch any major nation-building projects since taking office, despite Liberal claims that earlier legislation, such as Bill C-5 would help position Canada as an energy superpower. They argue that laws they label anti-development remain in place.
Laila Goodridge, MP for Fort McMurray – Cold Lake, said the Conservative Party is tiring of all talk and no action. “Now we need actions,” said Goodridge. “In this time of geopolitical uncertainty, we need the government to do everything in its power to unleash the incredible potential of our natural resources.”
“The Canadian economy is struggling after a decade of anti-energy laws wrippling innovation and killing jobs,” she added. “We are calling on the Liberals to repeal their anti-energy laws, incentivize hard work, remove provincial trade barriers, and protect Canadian research and development.”
The motion also calls for incentives to encourage reinvestment and interprovincial trade, along with measures to protect Canadian research and intellectual property from being sold abroad. Conservatives said they are prepared to work with MPs from all parties to pass the motion.
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