Saturday, June 13, 2026
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

B.C. First Nation closes territory over COVID

B.C. First Nation closes territory over COVID
The Tahltan Nation has issued a notice that the public should avoid its territory in northwest British Columbia until the there's a vaccine or community immunity for COVID-19.

B.C. First Nation closes territory over COVID

Vancouver approves locations for outdoor drinking

Vancouver approves locations for outdoor drinking
Residents will soon have four new outdoor locations in Vancouver to enjoy a beer or glass of wine.

Vancouver approves locations for outdoor drinking

B.C. university will chart wildfire research

B.C. university will chart wildfire research
A university located in the heart of one of British Columbia's most volatile forest fire regions will lead new research in wildfire prediction and response.

B.C. university will chart wildfire research

WATCH: Can Trump Delay the 2020 US Elections?

WATCH: Can Trump Delay the 2020 US Elections?
To VOTE or not to VOTE, that is the big question. The US presidential election 2020 this November may not take place the day that it has been scheduled for.

WATCH: Can Trump Delay the 2020 US Elections?

Manitoba classrooms to reopen Sept. 8

Manitoba classrooms to reopen Sept. 8
The Manitoba government says most students are to be back in classrooms on Sept. 8, but there will be new guidelines to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Manitoba classrooms to reopen Sept. 8

PM knew WE deal would face scrutiny

PM knew WE deal would face scrutiny
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says when he first learned the public service had proposed WE Charity to run the Canada Student Service Grant he pushed back, knowing it would come under scrutiny.

PM knew WE deal would face scrutiny