Member of Parliament for Lakeland Shannon Stubbs continued pressing federal ministers this month on energy project approvals and the recent closure of the Lacombe Research and Development Centre, while also marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
During a February 12 meeting of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources, Stubbs questioned the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources about the pace of liquefied natural gas (LNG) approvals in Canada compared to the United States. She raised concerns about regulatory timelines, investor certainty and the number of natural resource projects currently awaiting approval.
Stubbs cited figures discussed at committee indicating that, since 2015, four of 18 Canadian LNG proposals have been approved, with one currently operating. She asked how the federal government intends to provide clarity for investors and proponents without clearly defined timelines and criteria for projects deemed to be in the “national interest.”
She also raised concerns about consultation requirements with Indigenous communities, suggesting that unclear processes could result in future legal challenges.
In addition, Stubbs highlighted what she described as a backlog of projects awaiting decisions and asked when broader regulatory changes would be implemented to provide certainty for businesses and attract investment.
Lacombe Research and Development Centre
Stubbs also addressed the closure of the Lacombe Research and Development Centre in Lacombe County, a facility with more than a century of agricultural research history. The centre has supported work connected to Lakeland College’s pulse and special crops research programs.
She expressed concern about the impact of the closure on farmers, researchers and the agricultural sector in Alberta, and called for greater consultation with producers regarding such decisions.
The federal government has previously stated that research modernization efforts are aimed at improving coordination and efficiency across facilities nationwide.
Support for Ukraine
On February 24, marking four years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Stubbs spoke in solidarity with Ukrainians locally and abroad. Lakeland has one of the highest proportions of Ukrainian Canadians among Canada’s federal ridings.
Stubbs noted the resilience of Ukrainians defending their country and reaffirmed her support for Canada’s Ukrainian community.
Parliamentary votes
The release also noted that Stubbs voted in favour of several recent Conservative motions related to taxation, criminal justice and federal health program policies.
As Parliament continues its session, Stubbs said she will remain focused on energy policy, agricultural issues and priorities affecting Lakeland families and businesses.
