Monday, June 15, 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

800 more student homes at UVic: premier

800 more student homes at UVic: premier
The British Columbia government says it is on track to have nearly 800 student homes at the University of Victoria ready by 2022.

800 more student homes at UVic: premier

Swings in five local Abbotsford playgrounds were found vandalized

Swings in five local Abbotsford playgrounds were found vandalized
The Abbotsford Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance with information after the swing sets in five local Abbotsford Playgrounds were found vandalized.

Swings in five local Abbotsford playgrounds were found vandalized

Raju family donates $50,000 dollars to BC Children’s Hospital

Raju family donates $50,000 dollars to BC Children’s Hospital
A generous act of philanthropy from a South Asian family in the community. There couldn't be a better way to celebrate the birth of a newborn child than a generous donation to those children who need it the most.

Raju family donates $50,000 dollars to BC Children’s Hospital

Vancouver Police warn public as distraction thefts continue

Vancouver Police warn public as distraction thefts continue
Vancouver Police are warning the public to be vigilant after an increase in reports of thefts involving distraction techniques throughout the Lower Mainland since June.

Vancouver Police warn public as distraction thefts continue

Man arrested after firearms call in Victoria

Man arrested after firearms call in Victoria
A man has been arrested in Victoria after a standoff that started with a report about a firearm being discharged.

Man arrested after firearms call in Victoria

Devices to scare bears banned in Vancouver

Devices to scare bears banned in Vancouver
A popular backcountry item used to humanely deter bears has been banned from sale or use in Vancouver.

Devices to scare bears banned in Vancouver