Saturday, July 4, 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

Ten Of 11 People Taken Into Custody After Shooting In Surrey Have Been Released

Ten Of 11 People Taken Into Custody After Shooting In Surrey Have Been Released
Surrey RCMP is providing an update to the investigation of a shooting which occurred in the early morning hours of December 7, 2019.  

Ten Of 11 People Taken Into Custody After Shooting In Surrey Have Been Released

Province Adds Water-Access Only Exemption To Speculation And Vacancy Tax

Today Minister Carole James announced that the province would be adding a water-access only exemption to the speculation and vacancy tax (SVT).    

Province Adds Water-Access Only Exemption To Speculation And Vacancy Tax

Affordable Homes Open For People In Williams Lake

People with low to moderate incomes, including those with disabilities, now have access to 39 new affordable rental homes with the opening of a project at 253 First Ave. North.    

Affordable Homes Open For People In Williams Lake

New Temporary Shelter Opening In Kelowna

New Temporary Shelter Opening In Kelowna
More people experiencing homelessness in Kelowna will soon have a safe and warm space to stay as the Province is partnering with a new service provider to open a temporary shelter for people in need.

New Temporary Shelter Opening In Kelowna

2020 Community Sport Champion Nominations Now Open

The Community Sport Champion Recognition Program is an annual Vancouver Community Sport Hosting Grant that recognizes and celebrates citizens who are making sport accessible in our community.

2020 Community Sport Champion Nominations Now Open

PICS: Ontario Strengthens Trade And Investment With India

New Agreement Stemming from Trade Mission Creates Technology Sector Opportunities  

PICS: Ontario Strengthens Trade And Investment With India