Thursday, July 2, 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

How B.C. Families Saved Thousands In 2019

How B.C. Families Saved Thousands In 2019
More money is back in the pockets of British Columbians in 2019, thanks to Government of British Columbia initiatives to make life more affordable for people.    

How B.C. Families Saved Thousands In 2019

National Youth Engagement Week: Surrey Grade 12 Students With An Interest In Law Enforcement, Check Out This Opportunity

A select group of Grade 12 students (secondaire 5 in Quebec) from across Canada will experience what it's like to be a cadet in training.

National Youth Engagement Week: Surrey Grade 12 Students With An Interest In Law Enforcement, Check Out This Opportunity

BC Owner Of 19 Huskies Gives Them Up Over Allegations Of Neglect

BC Owner Of 19 Huskies Gives Them Up Over Allegations Of Neglect
KAMLOOPS, B.C. - The British Columbia SPCA has been overwhelmed with 19 huskies that were surrendered by their owner in the province's Interior.    

BC Owner Of 19 Huskies Gives Them Up Over Allegations Of Neglect

Victoria And Saanich Police Save Man And His Dog When Boat Sinks In Gorge Waterway

Victoria And Saanich Police Save Man And His Dog When Boat Sinks In Gorge Waterway
VICTORIA - Members of the Victoria and Saanich police departments combined forces on Friday morning to rescue a man when his boat sank in the Gorge Waterway.

Victoria And Saanich Police Save Man And His Dog When Boat Sinks In Gorge Waterway

Man Who Killed Wheelchair User While Driving Impaired Gets Day Parole

Man Who Killed Wheelchair User While Driving Impaired Gets Day Parole
MONTREAL - A recidivist drunk driver who was handed a life sentence after he struck and killed a woman in a wheelchair in 2008 has been granted day parole.    

Man Who Killed Wheelchair User While Driving Impaired Gets Day Parole

'Tough Year' For Measles And Other Infectious Diseases In US

'Tough Year' For Measles And Other Infectious Diseases In US
Measles tripled. Hepatitis A mushroomed. A rare but deadly mosquito-borne disease increased.    

'Tough Year' For Measles And Other Infectious Diseases In US