Do Conservatives want the best for the West, or not?

The Conservatives complaining about the PM going to China for a trade deal are the same people who are begging for a new pipeline out to the coast of B.C. to sell oil to China.

Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping struck a deal in China last week that has federal and Ontario conservatives foaming at the mouth, writes Erica Ifill. Photograph courtesy of X

Opinion

BY ERICA IFILL

January 21, 2026

CALGARY—Were it up to the Conservatives, the economy would be in the toilet, next to a pipeline. The ideology of anti-woke, pipeline politics has failed to produce any coherent and consistent policies conducive to economic success.

To keep reading, subscribe and become a political insider.

Only $7.76 a week for an annual subscription.

Enjoy unlimited website access and the digital newspaper.

Cancel anytime.

Already a Subscriber?

Get Environment Newsletter

From climate change to natural resources dive into environmental legislation, policy and advocacy. Monday Afternoon

By entering your email address you consent to receive email from The Hill Times containing news, analysis, updates and offers. You may unsubscribe at any time. See our privacy policy