Tuesday, June 23, 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

Service BC Centres Remain Open, Ready To Serve Citizens

Service BC Centres Remain Open, Ready To Serve Citizens
To align with recommendations from the provincial health officer, Service BC is taking action to limit the risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus for citizens and staff.  

Service BC Centres Remain Open, Ready To Serve Citizens

Surrey Dump-Truck Driver Found To Be Impaired In Cloverdale: RCMP

Surrey Dump-Truck Driver Found To Be Impaired In Cloverdale: RCMP
The driver of a dump truck has received a 3-day IRP as a result of a traffic stop in the Cloverdale area.    

Surrey Dump-Truck Driver Found To Be Impaired In Cloverdale: RCMP

Richmond RCMP Is Taking Precautions In Response To The COVID-19 Pandemic

Richmond RCMP Is Taking Precautions In Response To The COVID-19 Pandemic
In order to protect the public, our volunteers and our employees, the Richmond RCMP is making the following temporary changes in response to COVID-19.  

Richmond RCMP Is Taking Precautions In Response To The COVID-19 Pandemic

Health Officials Sound Alarm Over Looming Shortage Of Protective Gear

TORONTO - A southwestern Ontario city and a nearby county have joined hospitals and health-care associations in their call out to communities for face masks and other protective gear to help during the COVID-19 crisis.

Health Officials Sound Alarm Over Looming Shortage Of Protective Gear

Enough Is Enough, Go Home And Stay Home, Trudeau Tells Canadians As Government Warns Of COVID-19 Enforcement Measures

 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's tone hardened Monday as he warned Canadians ignoring COVID-19 mitigation measures that "enough is enough."

Enough Is Enough, Go Home And Stay Home, Trudeau Tells Canadians As Government Warns Of COVID-19 Enforcement Measures

COVID-19 Response: AbbyPD Services

COVID-19 Response: AbbyPD Services
The safety of our citizens our personnel remain the top priority of the Abbotsford Police Department.  These are challenging times, and the AbbyPD appreciates the on-going support and cooperation from our community.  We WILL get through this together. 

COVID-19 Response: AbbyPD Services