Sunday, June 21, 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

No 'Code Of Respect' As Thieves Steal All Work Gear Belonging To B.C. Paramedic

No 'Code Of Respect' As Thieves Steal All Work Gear Belonging To B.C. Paramedic
VANCOUVER - Thieves have stolen all the vital equipment of a Vancouver paramedic, putting her out of work until she can replace the gear.    

No 'Code Of Respect' As Thieves Steal All Work Gear Belonging To B.C. Paramedic

Walkers, Grocery Store Customers Courteous With Physical Distancing

DELTA, B.C. - Walkers offer a nod, a smile or a "hello" to each other but only after stepping aside to leave a wide berth on trails at a park they've escaped to in the age of physical distancing.

Walkers, Grocery Store Customers Courteous With Physical Distancing

Vancouver Convention Centre Picked For Off Site Covid-19 Treatment Centre

VICTORIA - Vancouver's waterfront convention centre is being prepared as a health facility in British Columbia's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, Health Minister Adrian Dix said Monday.

Vancouver Convention Centre Picked For Off Site Covid-19 Treatment Centre

B.C. Court Considers Ways To Deliver Meng Decision In Socially Distant Manner

VANCOUVER - The B.C. Supreme Court is considering creative ways to deliver a decision in an extradition hearing for Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou as a global pandemic restricts travel and gatherings.    

B.C. Court Considers Ways To Deliver Meng Decision In Socially Distant Manner

Canada-Wide Warrant Issued For Woman Convicted Of Killing Baby Daughter

Vancouver Police are asking for the public’s help to locate 37-year-old Justina Ellis after she left her halfway house in East Vancouver on Sunday and did not return.    

Canada-Wide Warrant Issued For Woman Convicted Of Killing Baby Daughter

Murder, Attempted Murder Charges Laid Following Kamloops, B.C., Stabbing

Murder, Attempted Murder Charges Laid Following Kamloops, B.C., Stabbing
KAMLOOPS, B.C. - One count of murder and three counts of attempted murder have been laid against a British Columbia man following a violent house party in Kamloops, B.C.    

Murder, Attempted Murder Charges Laid Following Kamloops, B.C., Stabbing