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

Canada, U.S. confirm plan to extend border restrictions by another 30 days

Canada, U.S. confirm plan to extend border restrictions by another 30 days
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada and the United States will continue to limit non-essential travel between the two countries until at least July 21.

Canada, U.S. confirm plan to extend border restrictions by another 30 days

Canadians' trust in police declining: Poll

Canadians' trust in police declining: Poll
More Canadians are questioning their trust in the police as protests against racism and police brutality sparked by the killing of George Floyd last month sweep across North America, a new poll suggests.

Canadians' trust in police declining: Poll

CERB to be extended eight weeks: PM

CERB to be extended eight weeks: PM
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says his government's signature benefit for people whose jobs have vanished amid the COVID-19 pandemic will be extended by eight weeks.

CERB to be extended eight weeks: PM

Campers fear arrest as Vancouver police act to close tent encampment

Campers fear arrest as Vancouver police act to close tent encampment
Police confirm officers have arrived at a site along the Vancouver waterfront where tents remain set up in violation of a recent B.C. Supreme Court injunction.

Campers fear arrest as Vancouver police act to close tent encampment

Vancouver Police seize replica guns, and tactical vests

Vancouver Police seize replica guns, and tactical vests
Vancouver Police officers today seized multiple replica guns, tactical vests and weapons from the Downtown Eastside. Officers came across two men dressed in military gear with tactical vests this morning in the area of Main and East Hastings streets.

Vancouver Police seize replica guns, and tactical vests

UPDATE: Surrey RCMP are asking for the public's help in locating missing teenage girl Muskan Heera

UPDATE: Surrey RCMP are asking for the public's help in locating missing teenage girl Muskan Heera
UPDATE: The missing 13 year old has been found. Surrey RCMP would like to thank the media and the public for their assistance.  Surrey RCMP is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing 13-year-old girl. According to police, Muskan Heera was last seen on Monday morning, June 15, 2020, at 10 am, in the 14500 block of 84th Avenue.

UPDATE: Surrey RCMP are asking for the public's help in locating missing teenage girl Muskan Heera