The Build Canada Now open letter, signed by 96 Canadian energy industry CEOs and leaders, marks a turning point in the growing tension between Canada’s resource-rich private sector and its increasingly regulatory-heavy federal government, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney.
The letter, published Build Canada Now: An open letter to the Prime Minister of Canada is respectful but firm. It calls for immediate and decisive reforms to Canada’s fiscal and regulatory frameworks, which, according to these industry leaders, are choking investment, limiting energy production, and putting Canada’s economic future at risk.
A Quick Summary of the Open Letter:
The energy CEOs lay out five core demands:
- Simplify regulations – Eliminate the overly complex Impact Assessment Act and repeal the West Coast tanker ban.
- Shorten project approval timelines – Approvals must happen in months, not years.
- Grow production, not cap it – Remove the unlegislated emissions cap, which discourages investment and stifles innovation.
- Create a globally competitive fiscal framework – Scrap the federal carbon tax on large emitters and allow provinces to manage their own carbon pricing.
- Support Indigenous economic participation – Provide large-scale loan guarantees to facilitate Indigenous ownership of energy projects.
The tone of the letter is professional, but the urgency is unmistakable: Canada is falling behind, and without meaningful policy change, the opportunity to become a global energy leader may slip away forever.
A Christian Perspective: Where Is Canada Headed?
From a Christian standpoint, this letter represents more than just economic concern—it reflects the consequences of poor stewardship and misplaced trust in centralized political ideologies that seek to overmanage rather than empower.
Proverbs 11:14 – “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
Canada’s vast natural resources are a gift from God, meant to be developed responsibly for the good of all. The oil and gas industry has long been one of Canada’s greatest economic blessings—supporting families, communities, and national prosperity. Yet rather than build on this blessing, our federal leadership has introduced layer upon layer of red tape, making it nearly impossible for the industry to grow, adapt, or even operate efficiently.
Mark Carney: A Mascot for Global Agendas?
Many in the energy and business community are starting to see Mark Carney not as a leader, but as a mascot for global ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) interests—a figurehead for a bureaucratic system that seems more concerned with climate virtue-signaling than with practical economic solutions.
While Mr. Carney speaks the language of economics fluently, his actions (or lack thereof) paint a different picture. As Christians, we are called to evaluate fruit, not just words:
Matthew 7:16 – “You will recognize them by their fruits.”
So far, Carney’s “fruit” has been heavy regulation, job-killing uncertainty, and a federal government that talks prosperity while sowing economic stagnation.
ESG vs. Biblical Stewardship
The problem with many ESG policies—especially in their most radical forms—is that they often lack a biblical understanding of stewardship. The Bible calls us to care for the Earth, yes, but also to work the land, multiply, and provide for our families (Genesis 1:28).
Under the guise of environmental responsibility, Canadian federal policy has tied the hands of workers and entrepreneurs, pushed away investment, and placed Indigenous communities in a cycle of dependency rather than ownership. That is not stewardship—it’s mismanagement.
Forced Austerity Is Coming
Whether or not Prime Minister Carney listens to the energy CEOs, the writing is on the wall: Canada is heading for forced austerity. With mounting debt, declining productivity, and shrinking investment, the government will eventually have to cut spending, raise taxes, or print money (which will debase the currency even further).
Galatians 6:7 – “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.”
For years, Canada has sown big government, overregulation, and economic micromanagement. Now the harvest is arriving—and it’s bitter.
What Should Christians Do?
In these times of uncertainty, Christians must remember:
- God is sovereign. Even when political leaders fail, God does not.
- Be informed and speak truth. It is not un-Christian to critique poor leadership—it’s wise stewardship.
- Pray for our leaders. Pray that Mark Carney would act with wisdom and humility, not pride and ideology.
- Support integrity-driven businesses. Back industries and companies that align with biblical values of hard work, responsibility, and stewardship.
- Don’t place your trust in princes. (Psalm 146:3) Trust in Christ, not in politics, policies, or promises of man-made prosperity.
Final Thoughts: Canada Needs Leadership, Not Mascots
The Build Canada Now letter is a wake-up call not only to Ottawa but to Canadians across the country—we are on the wrong path. And as Christians, we have a duty to call for truth, righteousness, and wise governance.
Energy is not just about economics—it’s about people, families, jobs, and national security. We cannot allow misguided leadership and bloated bureaucracy to ruin what generations have built.
“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” – Psalm 127:1
Canada has a choice: continue down the path of ideological stagnation, or return to pragmatism, stewardship, and prosperity rooted in truth.
Consider making Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior today.
In a country wrestling with uncertainty, Jesus Christ is the sure foundation.
In a world that demands conformity, Christ offers freedom.
In an economy full of fear, He offers peace.
He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Let us pray for Canada, for our leaders, and for courage to build a future based not on fear, but on faith and wisdom.
