Senator Mockler: Honourable senators, as we know, Canada will be stronger when all regions are strong. Leader, we remember how the current government moved the goalposts as Energy East went through the review process in 2017. Does your government commit today to giving Saint John LNG a fair hearing in order to help Europe and to continue to position Canada as a major player?

Hon. Percy Mockler: I would be remiss if I didn’t take this opportunity to thank Senator Griffin for the remarkable leadership she has shown in the Senate.

There is no doubt in my mind that we are all saddened by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

[English]

As was so well said by Senator Boehm last Thursday, “The world changed last night and not for the better.”

Now, to the Leader of the Government in the Senate, Russia’s illegal attack on Ukraine has highlighted the grave security threat posed by Europe’s dependency on Russian natural gas. As one of the world’s largest producers of natural gas, Canada could help our friends and allies in Europe diversify its energy supply away from Russia.

Honourable senators, great news. Last month, it was reported that Spanish company Repsol is considering converting its Saint John LNG import terminal into an export terminal. It has also been reported that the company has filed its development plans with the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada.

We have here an opportunity, leader. What is your government’s response to this news? Would you see this as not only a way to support our own economy, but our security as well from coast to coast to coast?

[Translation]

Thank you, leader.