Thursday, June 18, 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

Cautious Canadians increasingly wearing masks, fear second wave of COVID: Poll

Cautious Canadians increasingly wearing masks, fear second wave of COVID: Poll
Canadians are increasingly wearing protective face masks as they emerge from months of isolating at home to curb the spread of COVID-19, a new poll suggests.

Cautious Canadians increasingly wearing masks, fear second wave of COVID: Poll

Liberals hunting for support for bill reforming COVID-19 benefits

Liberals hunting for support for bill reforming COVID-19 benefits
The Trudeau Liberals' push for changes to a key benefit for workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic hit political roadblocks as the New Democrats withdrew support for a draft bill that would fine or imprison people who made fraudulent claims.

Liberals hunting for support for bill reforming COVID-19 benefits

Increased demand as more surgeries resume concerns Canadian Blood Services

Increased demand as more surgeries resume concerns Canadian Blood Services
Canadian Blood Services says the resumption of elective surgeries following months of COVID-19 lockdown is putting a worrisome drain on the national blood supply.

Increased demand as more surgeries resume concerns Canadian Blood Services

Three RCMP officers in Prince George, B.C., face assault charges over arrest

Three RCMP officers in Prince George, B.C., face assault charges over arrest
Charges have been approved against three Mounties in Prince George, B.C., related to the arrest of two suspects in February 2016.

Three RCMP officers in Prince George, B.C., face assault charges over arrest

Frontline patrol leads to seizure of drugs and cash

Frontline patrol leads to seizure of drugs and cash
Hard work and a keen eye for suspicious activity led a Surrey RCMP Frontline officer to make a significant seizure of drugs and cash during a vehicle check stop in Guildford.

Frontline patrol leads to seizure of drugs and cash

Most regions outside Toronto-Hamilton area moving to Stage 2 of reopening

Most regions outside Toronto-Hamilton area moving to Stage 2 of reopening
Most Ontario regions outside the Toronto area will be allowed to open more businesses and activities Friday, including restaurant patios, hair salons and swimming pools as the province takes a regional approach to reopening.

Most regions outside Toronto-Hamilton area moving to Stage 2 of reopening