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

Vancouver cuts one per cent from police budget

Vancouver cuts one per cent from police budget
City council is cutting the Vancouver police and fire budgets by one per cent despite protests from the police board that its services shouldn't be reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vancouver cuts one per cent from police budget

VPD investigates spike in arsons

VPD investigates spike  in arsons
Vancouver Police have seen a significant increase in arson reports citywide and are asking the public to stay vigilant.

VPD investigates spike in arsons

Ottawa announces $470 M for fish harvesters with sector-specific grant, benefit

Ottawa announces $470 M for fish harvesters with sector-specific grant, benefit
Ottawa has announced $470 million in federal support for fish harvesters who have been ineligible for other aid initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ottawa announces $470 M for fish harvesters with sector-specific grant, benefit

National parks, historic sites partly reopening June 1, but no camping yet

National parks, historic sites partly reopening June 1, but no camping yet
Some of Canada's national parks and historic sites will reopen for partial use next month but only in places where it is considered safe to do so.

National parks, historic sites partly reopening June 1, but no camping yet

Bank of Canada warns in report of business, household debt from COVID-19

Bank of Canada warns in report of business, household debt from COVID-19
The Bank of Canada says there are signs in the country's financial markets that suggest concern about the ability of companies to weather the COVID-19 economic crisis.

Bank of Canada warns in report of business, household debt from COVID-19

Masks and closed fitting rooms: Reopened retail to look vastly different

Masks and closed fitting rooms: Reopened retail to look vastly different
Shoppers at recently reopened Sleep Country stores looking to test mattresses or pillows will find a disposable protective barrier between them and the product. When Aritzia stores open soon in Vancouver, customers will be able to ask staff for face masks or gloves to wear while they peruse clothing racks.

Masks and closed fitting rooms: Reopened retail to look vastly different