Poilievre Calls for Immediate Pipeline Approval After U.S. Action in Venezuela

 

OTTAWA – Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre on Monday urged the federal government to fast-track approval of a West Coast oil pipeline, warning that recent U.S. actions in Venezuela could undermine Canada’s position in the North American heavy crude market if Ottawa fails to act swiftly.

Poilievre called on the Liberal government to commit to a 60-day approval timeline once a formal pipeline application is submitted, arguing that Canada risks losing market share in U.S. refineries as Venezuelan oil production potentially rebounds under renewed American oversight.

Venezuela seen as renewed competitor

Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, estimated at more than 300 billion barrels, but years of sanctions, mismanagement and underinvestment have left its energy sector severely degraded. Analysts say that with sufficient capital and political stability, Venezuelan output—currently around 1.1 million barrels per day—could double or even triple over time.

Poilievre said any recovery in Venezuelan heavy crude production would directly compete with Canadian oil sands crude, which dominates supplies to U.S. Gulf Coast refineries.

“Every additional barrel from Venezuela is a barrel that could replace Canadian oil in the U.S. market,” Poilievre said, arguing that Canada must urgently diversify its export routes beyond the United States.

Push for Pacific access

The Conservative leader pointed to the absence of sufficient Pacific export capacity as a strategic weakness, limiting Canada’s ability to access Asian markets and leaving producers exposed to geopolitical shifts in the Americas.

Poilievre’s comments come as the federal government and Alberta signed a memorandum of understanding in November committing to advance at least one new coastal pipeline, structured around private financing, Indigenous co-ownership, and emissions-reduction measures.

Alberta officials have said a formal application is expected to be submitted to the federal Major Projects Office by July 1.

Government response

Prime Minister Mark Carney has acknowledged that global energy dynamics are shifting but has argued that Canadian crude remains competitive, even if Venezuelan supply increases. He has emphasized the government’s broader strategy to expand market access while aligning energy development with climate objectives.

The federal government has not committed to Poilievre’s proposed 60-day approval timeline.

Broader implications

Energy analysts say the immediate market impact of a Venezuelan recovery remains uncertain and would likely unfold over several years. However, the political debate highlights growing concern within Canada’s energy sector about market concentration risk, regulatory delays, and the need for long-term infrastructure planning.

Poilievre’s intervention signals that energy security, export diversification, and pipeline approvals are likely to remain central issues in the run-up to the next federal election.

FAQs

Why is Poilievre calling for faster pipeline approval now?
He argues that U.S. involvement in Venezuela’s oil sector could lead to increased Venezuelan supply, threatening Canada’s share of U.S. refinery demand.

What pipeline is being discussed?
A proposed West Coast pipeline designed to move Canadian oil to Pacific markets, reducing reliance on U.S. buyers.

What timeline is Poilievre proposing?
A federal approval decision within 60 days of a completed project application being submitted.

How much oil could Venezuela produce if its sector recovers?
Analysts estimate output could potentially double or triple from current levels with sufficient investment.

Has the federal government agreed to this proposal?
No. Ottawa has acknowledged the issue but has not committed to a fixed approval deadline.

Sources

• CTV News – Poilievre calls for immediate pipeline approval following U.S. action in Venezuela
https://www.ctvnews.ca

• Radio-Canada – Venezuela : Poilievre demande l’approbation rapide d’un pipeline
https://ici.radio-canada.ca

• Le Devoir – Un nouveau pipeline, une option relancée par la situation au Venezuela
https://www.ledevoir.com

• International Energy Agency (IEA) – Oil Market Reports
https://www.iea.org

• OPEC – Venezuela crude oil production data
https://www.opec.org

January 08, 2026