Airdrie-Cochrane MLA Peter Guthrie has lashed out at OPEC and accused them of taking advantage of a world health crisis to collapse world oil markets.

In the Legislative Assembly on May 6, he called for Canada to once and for all make a move to become energy self-sufficient, and stop importing OPEC oil.

"We should not give one dime to support dictators and tyrants who work against Canadian interests," he said

"OPEC began an economic and political game of chicken, a game we, as a country, better wake up to."

He called on Canadians to unite and rally against what he called oppressive reigns who have little concern for the environment, ethics, or human rights.

He says oil prices will take at least a year to recover but will rebound, and demand is estimated to rise until at least 2050. 

"And Canada must be central to global recovery. Because in what universe can anyone justify importing OPEC oil when Canada has the most ethically produced supply of energy in the world. It is time to set ideology aside and unify this country."