Poilievre says he would only open critical mineral stockpile to allies without tariffs

LONDON — Pierre Poilievre said a Conservative government would allow other countries to have to access to a future Canadian national energy and critical mineral stockpile, but only allies in times of “crisis and war” who have a free-trade agreement with Canada.

Speaking at an event in London, U.K., organized by CANZUK, an advocacy group pushing for closer ties between Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, the Conservative leader reiterated a promise first made last week to create a national stockpile of Canadian critical minerals and energy.

But he went a step further during his speech on Monday evening, saying that his government would be open to selling goods in the stockpiles to allies in times of intense need and only to those who have tariff-free trade with Canada.

“Our plan will be to build up a critical minerals and energy reserve and make it available in times of crisis and war to our allies,” Poilievre told the largely Conservative attendees at a small gathering at the Carlton Club, a private club in London’s swanky Soho neighbourhood.

“Those countries that agree to allow tariff-free trade with us will have access to these critical stockpiles when the time comes and it matters most, this could be embedded in an agreement,” he added according to a recording of the event.

Only broadcast cameras were allowed into the room to record the speech but reporters, including National Post, were denied access to the event.

During the speech, Poilievre also reiterated a 2023 promise to implement automatic recognition of product and professional certifications (such as for nurses and doctors) namely from the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand if elected prime minister.

“A nurse or a doctor in London, England is certainly qualified to be a nurse or doctor in London, Ontario… A product that is safe in Sydney, Nova Scotia is certainly safe In Sydney, Australia,” Poilievre said.

During his brief keynote, Poilievre also advocated for CANZUK countries to purchase more Canadian LNG, eliminate the “many” trade barriers and boost private sector competition among the four countries.

“I’m here today to kick off our initiative to bring four great nations together in partnership for more trade, for more exchange of people. Goods, capital and services,” he said.

Monday’s speech was Poilievre’s first as part of his inaugural foreign trip as opposition leader since he took over the reins of the Conservative party in 2022. He is expected to visit London and Germany before returning to Canada on Sunday.

The CANZUK event was organized by Daniel Hannan, a member of the U.K. House of Lords and former member of the European Parliament who was a fierce advocate for Brexit. Hannan is a longtime ally of Poilievre’s and even spoke at the party’s convention in 2023.

During his trip, Poilievre is expected to deliver a keynote Margaret Thatcher Lecture at London’s Centre for Policy Studies Tuesday. The party said he will also meet British MPs and businesspeople, though it did not provide details.

In Germany, Poilievre is scheduled to deliver a speech at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, a conservative think tank, and meet with unidentified German officials and businesspeople. He will also visit two ports and an LNG facility in northern Germany before returning to Ottawa.

The goal of his trip is to “reinforce and strengthen our existing trade, commerce and diplomatic relationships” between Canada, the U.K. and Germany, the party said in a statement last week.

National Post

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