Friday, December 26, 2025
ADVT 
National

O'Toole presses pipelines with U.S. envoy

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 11 Feb, 2021 06:14 PM
  • O'Toole presses pipelines with U.S. envoy

Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole urged the acting American ambassador to Canada to tell Washington to preserve the Line 5 pipeline to the United States.

O'Toole told Katherine Brucker that he was disappointed by President Joe Biden's decision to cancel Keystone XL pipeline on his first day in office last month.

O'Toole also said if the governor of Michigan follows through on plans to shut down Line 5 by May it would have a negative economic impact on both countries.

About 87 million litres of oil and natural gas liquids moves daily through Line 5 from Wisconsin to Sarnia, Ont., passing through parts of Michigan.

The U.S. embassy in Ottawa declined to comment on the Wednesday conversation between Brucker and O'Toole.

But the Conservative leader's office released its own readout of the meeting.

"Mr. O'Toole raised his disappointment about the decision of the United States to cancel the Keystone XL pipeline and made the case for why this project should continue, including the economic benefits for both countries," it said.

"He also raised the potential Line 5 pipeline cancellation and the tremendous economic blow this would cause both countries."

O'Toole also asked the U.S. to help secure more vaccines for Canadians.

"Mr. O'Toole spoke about the need for vaccines in order to secure jobs and turn the corner in the pandemic," the readout said.

A U.S. embassy spokeswoman said Brucker meets with "a wide range of Canadians from all sectors, including political leaders, to learn about their priorities and promote bilateral understanding" but it does not comment publicly on the details of those conversations.

But recent moves by Biden make it unlikely that Canada will receive any extra vaccine doses made in the United States

Biden invoked the Defence Production Act, after former president Donald Trump did the same last year to push for faster production of personal protective equipment and vaccines. Biden did not specifically mention exports, but he has promised to vaccinate 100 million Americans in his first 100 days in office.

O'Toole also registered his opposition to American tariffs on softwood lumber and the Buy American policies that the Biden administration is also following after Trump.

"They also spoke about the threat the Chinese Communist Party poses to both the United States and Canada. Mr. O'Toole raised the issue of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor who are currently being held hostage, and thanked the United States for their willingness to assist in securing their release," said the readout.

 

MORE National ARTICLES

PBO: 'Superclusters' falling short of expectations

PBO: 'Superclusters' falling short of expectations
The private and academic partners in the endeavour were expected to spend over $1 billion over the same time.

PBO: 'Superclusters' falling short of expectations

Quebec reports 1,364 new COVID-19 cases

Quebec reports 1,364 new COVID-19 cases
There were 1,364 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the province over the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases in Quebec to 81,014.

Quebec reports 1,364 new COVID-19 cases

Ex-MP Grewal's case moved to early 2021

Ex-MP Grewal's case moved to early 2021
Lawyers for Raj Grewal and the Crown agreed to have the case return to court Jan. 6 during a brief virtual hearing on Tuesday.

Ex-MP Grewal's case moved to early 2021

Man charged in N.B. murders sought to 'out' demons

Man charged in N.B. murders sought to 'out' demons
The defence has acknowledged Raymond killed the victims but says he should be found not criminally responsible because of a mental disorder.

Man charged in N.B. murders sought to 'out' demons

Virtual Thanksgiving urged to control COVID-19

Virtual Thanksgiving urged to control COVID-19
Federal officials said earlier Tuesday that 3.4 million Canadians have uploaded the COVID Alert App.

Virtual Thanksgiving urged to control COVID-19

WATCH: BC Liberals vow to scrap ICBC if elected this month

WATCH: BC Liberals vow to scrap ICBC if elected this month
WATCH: BC Liberal Party to Get rid of ICBC if they WIN Fall Elections said Leader Andrew Wilkinson. “When I hear stories of young people with clean driving records stuck with bills of over $5,000 it’s clear the system is failing and needs to be fixed,” added Wilkinson. “Young people face enough pressure these days, so the BC Liberals will make sure they have affordable auto insurance.”

WATCH: BC Liberals vow to scrap ICBC if elected this month