Tuesday, June 30, 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

Quebec Seal Hunter Flown To Hospital After Attack By Seal Off Nova Scotia

Quebec Seal Hunter Flown To Hospital After Attack By Seal Off Nova Scotia
A Quebec seal hunter had to be airlifted to hospital this week after being attacked and seriously injured by a grey seal in Nova Scotia.    

Quebec Seal Hunter Flown To Hospital After Attack By Seal Off Nova Scotia

Manitoba Government To End Practice Of Birth Alerts In April

Manitoba Government To End Practice Of Birth Alerts In April
The Manitoba government says it is ending a practice that has allowed hospitals to notify child-welfare agencies about new mothers deemed to be high risk.

Manitoba Government To End Practice Of Birth Alerts In April

Despite Big Drop In 4th-Quarter Donations, Tories Won 2019 Fundraising Race

The federal Conservative party's fundraising machine appears to have run out of steam during the final three months of 2019, as new Elections Canada figures show the party long known for raising more than any others fell behind the governing Liberals.

Despite Big Drop In 4th-Quarter Donations, Tories Won 2019 Fundraising Race

Federal Court Of Appeal To Release Decision In Trans Mountain Challenge

Federal Court Of Appeal To Release Decision In Trans Mountain Challenge
The Federal Court of Appeal is set to release its decision on the latest challenge of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion on Tuesday.

Federal Court Of Appeal To Release Decision In Trans Mountain Challenge

More Moderate Income Rental Homes Coming To Vancouver

Vancouver Council has approved an additional three projects under its Moderate Income Rental Pilot Program (MIRHPP), which will provide more than 50 new below-market homes for individuals, couples and families including:  

More Moderate Income Rental Homes Coming To Vancouver

Penticton Woman Anna Fodor Eyeing Truck, Trailer And Travel After $500000 Lottery Win

When Anna Fodor checked her Lotto Max ticket manually and realized she did not win the record-breaking $70-million jackpot, she thought that was that. 

Penticton Woman Anna Fodor Eyeing Truck, Trailer And Travel After $500000 Lottery Win