Inviting Energy East back to the table can "strengthen our position as it relates to Saudi Arabia," says opposition leader

Canada's opposition says Ottawa's escalating diplomatic dust-up with Saudi Arabia over human rights is an opportunity to become more independent from the kingdom.

Conservative leader Andrew Scheer spoke with 570 NEWS about the dispute, and says this is why we need to get the conversation around energy independence going again - and source a replacement for Saudi oil.

"We continue as a country to purchase large amounts of oil, which supports the Saudi regime. We don't believe that should continue," says Scheer, who is reviving calls for the construction of the Energy East pipeline.

"We don't have an alternative to foreign oil in many Eastern markets," he says. "That being said, a signal that this government would invite Energy East back to the table could do a lot in the medium and long term. I don't expect that will happen, the Liberals killed that purposefully."

Scheer, however, says the government's insistence that Saudi Arabia release jailed civil rights activists is appropriate, adding Canada should continue to stand up for human rights around the world.

He says the Conservatives are willing to work with the government to resolve this, noting his shadow minister for foreign affairs has been in touch with foreign affairs minister Chrystia Freeland on what the next steps will be.