COMMENTARY: For Tories, energy debate isnt powering up voters in campaign – National [Video]

This could be an election where Canadians have a serious discussion about energy and natural resource issues.

The Conservatives have tried to make that happen but have — so far — failed.

And that’s been to the benefit of the Liberals.

In one of his first addresses as prime minister, Mark Carney declared his goal for Canada to be a conventional and clean energy superpower.

Yes, the Liberals will continue to balance growth in energy and resources with environmental responsibility, but his remarks suggested a distinct shift in tone from the Trudeau government. A new direction for the Liberals might include an east-west oil pipeline, along with investments in hydro, transmission infrastructure, nuclear, wind, hydrogen, battery storage and carbon capture. Carney also proposed to better streamline the approval process for energy and resource projects, including a “one project, one review” system.

Like Carney, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievrehas also said he will speed up approvals for pipelines and other critical infrastructure. He …