Wednesday, July 1, 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

Missing Person To Locate: 23-Year-Old Burnaby Woman SHIREENA DHILLON Not Seen Since January 10

Shireena is described as a 23-year-old South Asian female, 5’ 2 tall, slim build with long black hair.

Missing Person To Locate: 23-Year-Old Burnaby Woman SHIREENA DHILLON Not Seen Since January 10

Canada To Give $25,000 To Families Of Each Canadian Who Died On Flight PS752

"I want to be clear: we expect Iran to compensate these families," he said, but noted that could take time.

Canada To Give $25,000 To Families Of Each Canadian Who Died On Flight PS752

Federal Health Minister Says Too Early For Broad Drug Decriminalization

Canada's health minister says talk about decriminalizing drugs to deal with the country's ongoing opioids crisis is premature until people have enough help to fight their addictions.

Federal Health Minister Says Too Early For Broad Drug Decriminalization

CMHC Report Shows Speculation Tax Is Adding To Rental Supply: NDP

A new report from CMHC concludes that the NDP’s Speculation and Vacancy Tax contributed to an historic increase in condo units being used for long-term rental in Metro Vancouver.

CMHC Report Shows Speculation Tax Is Adding To Rental Supply: NDP

Man Charged For String Of Theft, Frauds Against Seniors In Lower Mainland

Mr. Quinnell was arrested by Vancouver Police Department on September 12, 2019, on an unrelated Canada-wide warrant, and has been held in custody since then.

Man Charged For String Of Theft, Frauds Against Seniors In Lower Mainland

After 16 Armed Robberies Across Metro Vancouver And The Fraser Valley, Two Male Suspects Arrested In Abbotsford

After 16 Armed Robberies Across Metro Vancouver And The Fraser Valley, Two Male Suspects Arrested In Abbotsford
Two men have been arrested following multiple armed robberies in multiple communities around the Lower Mainland from December through January.

After 16 Armed Robberies Across Metro Vancouver And The Fraser Valley, Two Male Suspects Arrested In Abbotsford