Tuesday, May 14, 2024
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

Man charged in 13 break-ins from across Lower Mainland: Surrey RCMP

Man charged in 13 break-ins from across Lower Mainland: Surrey RCMP
The investigation began in September 2019, when Surrey RCMP received a report of a break and enter at a business in the 16000-block of Fraser Highway.

Man charged in 13 break-ins from across Lower Mainland: Surrey RCMP

One dead, more hurt in crash near Hope, B.C

One dead, more hurt in crash near Hope, B.C
The statement says an investigation is just beginning, but it appears road conditions were a major factor.

One dead, more hurt in crash near Hope, B.C

Risk of COVID death 3.5x higher than flu: study

Risk of COVID death 3.5x higher than flu: study
The numbers put a figure on the severity of the novel coronavirus, which experts have been speaking to since the pandemic began.

Risk of COVID death 3.5x higher than flu: study

COVID spread eases but complacency called risky

COVID spread eases but complacency called risky
To date, Canada has seen more than 810,000 cases, with deaths approaching 21,000. The agency also noted the emergence of new variants of concern, with eight provinces now reporting finding new strains.

COVID spread eases but complacency called risky

PBO: Digital sales tax could yield $1.3B for feds

PBO: Digital sales tax could yield $1.3B for feds
The fall economic statement estimated that the government would reap revenues of over $1.2 billion over five years starting this year.

PBO: Digital sales tax could yield $1.3B for feds

Feds promise billions for public transit

Feds promise billions for public transit
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the $14.9-billion announcement on Wednesday as he prepared for a virtual meeting with mayors from Canada’s largest cities, many of them struggling to make ends meet due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Feds promise billions for public transit