Friday, June 19, 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

NDP, Liberals cut short debate on how Commons should function during pandemic

NDP, Liberals cut short debate on how Commons should function during pandemic
New Democrats have joined forces with the governing Liberals to cut short debate over how Parliament should function in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

NDP, Liberals cut short debate on how Commons should function during pandemic

Will beer be served at barbershops? Surrey Council approves.

Will beer be served at barbershops? Surrey Council approves.
Your barbershop will soon have the option of serving a drink of your choice if the motion passed in council becomes law . An idea that seems to stay afloat in Surrey for one business owner.

Will beer be served at barbershops? Surrey Council approves.

B.C. expands sexual assault survivor services with $10-million emergency program

B.C. expands sexual assault survivor services with $10-million emergency program
The British Columbia government has announced a three-year, $10 million grant program to provide swift access to compassionate and comprehensive care for survivors of sexual assault.

B.C. expands sexual assault survivor services with $10-million emergency program

Military reports 'shocking' conditions in Ontario nursing homes

Military reports 'shocking' conditions in Ontario nursing homes
A new report from the military helping battle COVID-19 in five long-term care facilities in Ontario has exposed the extent of the ugly conditions facing residents, Premier Doug Ford said on Tuesday, as he raised the prospect of criminal charges.

Military reports 'shocking' conditions in Ontario nursing homes

Canada pledges $27M to Venezuelan refugee crisis amid COVID-19 fight

Canada pledges $27M to Venezuelan refugee crisis amid COVID-19 fight
Canada is increasing its support to South American countries coping with the Venezuelan refugee crisis by $27 million.

Canada pledges $27M to Venezuelan refugee crisis amid COVID-19 fight

Half of Canadians say governments are hiding something about COVID-19: poll

Half of Canadians say governments are hiding something about COVID-19: poll
Half of Canadians believe they're not getting the whole truth from their governments about COVID-19, a new poll suggests, and some also believe conspiracy theories about where the novel coronavirus began.

Half of Canadians say governments are hiding something about COVID-19: poll