Prime Minister Mark Carney has taken a different approach to climate policy since assuming office, which has sparked debate among critics and supporters alike. While he may not be as overtly progressive as former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Carney's left-leaning tendencies remain evident. Over the past decade, the Liberal Party has been vocal about its climate policies, and Carney's recent actions have led some to view him as pro-business or even conservative. This shift has raised questions about the relevance of Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre.

Carney's decisions, such as setting the carbon tax rate to zero and pausing the electric vehicle (EV) mandate, have drawn mixed reactions. On one hand, some praise him for moving away from strict environmental regulations. On the other hand, critics argue that he is merely using these changes to consolidate power rather than genuinely shifting the party's stance.

Despite appearances, Carney's actions do not indicate a significant rightward shift within the Liberal Party. He has not proposed allowing market forces to dictate infrastructure projects or reducing regulations to attract investment. Instead, Carney aims to exert control over the economy, suggesting that his interest in climate policy is more about managing economic outcomes than environmental concerns.

Before entering politics, Carney was involved in banking, where he focused on "decarbonizing" markets. Recently, he announced five infrastructure projects that would be fast-tracked under the Major Projects Office. However, none of these projects included an oil and gas pipeline, which some see as a significant oversight. The projects had already received approval, raising questions about the government's intentions in presenting them as new initiatives.

The absence of a pipeline proposal is not surprising, given the existing regulatory framework that complicates energy projects. Carney has acknowledged the need for energy investment, particularly to address concerns in Alberta, but he does not plan to repeal or modify current legislation. Instead, he proposed "adjustments" to regulations under the Building Canada Act to expedite pipeline approvals. This act allows the government to designate certain infrastructure projects as being in the national interest, which could bypass some regulatory hurdles.

However, even with expedited processes, approved projects must still align with the government's climate goals and involve consultations with Indigenous groups. Carney's approach suggests he intends to set the terms for these consultations, potentially altering guidelines as needed. He has indicated that a carbon capture project could accompany any new pipeline, reinforcing his commitment to climate objectives.

Carney's leadership victory speech in March emphasized his belief that free markets cannot be solely relied upon. He stated, "I know how the world works, and I know how it can be made to work better for all of us." This statement has led some to question whether his leadership represents a genuine improvement over Trudeau's policies.