Canada's Conservative Leader pushes for enhanced trade ties with India, emphasizing Natural Gas, Uranium, and Lentils

Pierre Poilievre, leader of Canada's main opposition Conservative Party, is focused on boosting trade with India. He aims to export natural gas, uranium, and lentils to the country. Speaking at a press conference in Mississauga, Poilievre emphasized that Canada's vast natural gas reserves, totaling 1,300 trillion cubic feet, could help meet India's growing energy needs and reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by replacing coal.

Natural Gas and Uranium exports

Poilievre highlighted the benefits of selling Canadian natural gas to India. He cited a study by the National Bank, which suggested that supplying gas to meet half of India's electricity demand could cut emissions more than three times the total emissions of Canada. He also expressed his desire to quickly approve LNG liquefaction facilities to facilitate these exports. 

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Additionally, Poilievre proposed increasing the export of civilian-grade uranium to India. He noted that Saskatchewan, a major uranium producer, is already India's largest trading partner among Canadian provinces. He also mentioned boosting lentil exports to India.

Focus on economic growth

In 2023, Canadian exports to India were valued at $5.1 billion, with Saskatchewan contributing 26 percent of this amount, largely through agri-food exports. Poilievre sees these trade relationships as vital and plans to prioritize them if he becomes Prime Minister. He stated, "Those will be among the priorities I’ll work on with whomever the Indian people choose as their next Prime Minister."

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The Conservative Party, led by Poilievre, has been leading in polls over the incumbent Liberal Party. If elections were held now, the Conservatives would win 43 percent of the vote, translating to 211 seats in the House of Commons, while the Liberals would get 25 percent and 71 seats. Federal elections are scheduled for October next year.

In an earlier interview, Poilievre stressed the importance of maintaining a professional relationship with India, recognizing it as the world's largest democracy. He promised to restore a strong, professional relationship with the Indian government if he becomes Prime Minister.