Wednesday, June 17, 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

Tory MP fires student after allegation of theft from O'Toole campaign

Tory MP fires student after allegation of theft from O'Toole campaign
A Conservative MP from Calgary has fired a summer student working in his office following allegations that someone stole campaign data from party leadership contender Erin O'Toole.

Tory MP fires student after allegation of theft from O'Toole campaign

Mississauga mayor calls for police reform after fatal officer-involved shooting

Mississauga mayor calls for police reform after fatal officer-involved shooting
The mayor of Mississauga, Ont., has called for police reform following the death of a 62-year-old man with schizophrenia who was shot by police.

Mississauga mayor calls for police reform after fatal officer-involved shooting

Eight more weeks of CERB to cost $17.9 billion, budget officer says

Eight more weeks of CERB to cost $17.9 billion, budget officer says
The parliamentary budget officer estimates in a new report that it will cost the federal government $17.9 billion to provide eight extra weeks of payments through the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.

Eight more weeks of CERB to cost $17.9 billion, budget officer says

Margaret Wente resigns contentious Toronto college appointment after uproar

Margaret Wente resigns contentious Toronto college appointment after uproar
Former Globe and Mail columnist Margaret Wente has resigned a contentious appointment with a Toronto college after facing fierce opposition from students and staff.

Margaret Wente resigns contentious Toronto college appointment after uproar

Indigenous women's group wants RCMP action to end 'needless deaths'

Indigenous women's group wants RCMP action to end 'needless deaths'
A national group representing Indigenous women is urging the RCMP to quickly take steps — including equipping Mounties with body cameras — to end what it calls needless killing and assaults by police.

Indigenous women's group wants RCMP action to end 'needless deaths'

Two-thirds favour keeping two-metres physical distance: Leger poll

Two-thirds favour keeping two-metres physical distance: Leger poll
Two-thirds of Canadians don't want to relax physical distancing rules imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19, a new poll suggests.

Two-thirds favour keeping two-metres physical distance: Leger poll