Saturday, June 27, 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

32-Yr-Old Man Charged With Robbery After Theft At Surrey Cellphone Store

32-Yr-Old Man Charged With Robbery After Theft At Surrey Cellphone Store
A man is facing charges for the robbery at a mobile phone store as a result of an investigation by Surrey RCMP and tips from the public.    

32-Yr-Old Man Charged With Robbery After Theft At Surrey Cellphone Store

No Dramatic Shifts Expected As B.C. Government Tables New Budget Today

Finance Minister Carole James has promised to stay the course when she tables the budget in the legislature.    

No Dramatic Shifts Expected As B.C. Government Tables New Budget Today

Woman Allegedly Rammed Police Cruiser With Car, Narrowly Missed Officer

Woman Allegedly Rammed Police Cruiser With Car, Narrowly Missed Officer
ASHCROFT, B.C. - Police in the B.C. Interior say they arrested a woman after she rammed her car into a marked police vehicle when it tried to block her way.

Woman Allegedly Rammed Police Cruiser With Car, Narrowly Missed Officer

1 Man In Critical Condition After Collision Between Truck, Minivan And Bus In Surrey

1 Man In Critical Condition After Collision Between Truck, Minivan And Bus In Surrey
RCMP say a driver is in critical condition following a three-vehicle crash in Surrey, B.C., that closed roads Sunday night.

1 Man In Critical Condition After Collision Between Truck, Minivan And Bus In Surrey

'Valuable Life Lesson:' Woman Arrested For Anti-Indigenous Comments Apologizes

THE PAS, Man. - A woman arrested in northern Manitoba for online comments threatening violence against Indigenous people has asked for forgiveness and says she has learned valuable lessons.

'Valuable Life Lesson:' Woman Arrested For Anti-Indigenous Comments Apologizes

Firefighters Calendar Too Hot To Handle

ST. CATHARINES, Ont. — An Ontario city is telling firefighters to turn down the heat on their steamy charity calendar or risk losing municipal backing for the fundraiser.

Firefighters Calendar Too Hot To Handle