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

Liberals, NDP block Tory bid to study WE affair

Liberals, NDP block Tory bid to study WE affair
The Tories had sought to get ahead of it by calling witnesses and requesting documents related to the Liberal government's choice to have WE Charity run a multimillion-dollar student program.

Liberals, NDP block Tory bid to study WE affair

Legault to apologize to Joyce Echaquan's family

Legault to apologize to Joyce Echaquan's family
The apology on behalf of the Quebec government comes on the same day as a private funeral is scheduled for Joyce Echaquan in the Atikamekw community of Manawan, about 250 kilometres north of Montreal.

Legault to apologize to Joyce Echaquan's family

COVID-19 messaging a problem, experts say

COVID-19 messaging a problem, experts say
Steven Hoffman, a professor of global health, law and political science at York University, said much of the fault falls at the feet of the provincial government.

COVID-19 messaging a problem, experts say

Scott Moe apologizes to family of crash victim

Scott Moe apologizes to family of crash victim
Moe says he's aware a family member of the woman recently posted online about just learning that Moe was the driver of the other vehicle.

Scott Moe apologizes to family of crash victim

Child dead, mom hurt in crash in Coquitlam, B.C.

Child dead, mom hurt in crash in Coquitlam, B.C.
A statement from Coquitlam RCMP says the boy was two-years-old and his mother, who was also hurt, is 36.

Child dead, mom hurt in crash in Coquitlam, B.C.

B.C. NDP platform pledges $3B a year on recovery

B.C. NDP platform pledges $3B a year on recovery
The platform is based heavily on the NDP record, with the majority of promises stemming from work already underway or expanding on their pledges.

B.C. NDP platform pledges $3B a year on recovery