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

There's A Lesson For Trudeau From Past Minorities, Alberta Premier Kenney Says

OTTAWA - Alberta Premier Jason Kenney says there's a lesson for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the success of former Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper's two terms of minority government: you need to listen.    

There's A Lesson For Trudeau From Past Minorities, Alberta Premier Kenney Says

No Evidence Presented In Defence Of Man Accused In Abbotsford High School Stabbing

NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C. - The defence lawyer for a man accused in the stabbing death of a 13-year-old girl in Abbotsford, B.C., says no evidence will be called in his defence.

No Evidence Presented In Defence Of Man Accused In Abbotsford High School Stabbing

RCMP Not Negligent In Death Of Langley Teen Carson Crimeni Whose Overdose Was Filmed: Watchdog

The Independent Investigations Office says the overdose death of 14-year-old Carson Crimeni was a "tragic incident" but police played no role in that outcome and it's not recommending charges.

RCMP Not Negligent In Death Of Langley Teen Carson Crimeni Whose Overdose Was Filmed: Watchdog

Lululemon's Chief Operating Officer To Leave The Company In New Year

VANCOUVER - Lululemon Athletica Inc. says its chief operating officer is leaving the company shortly after the new year begins.    

Lululemon's Chief Operating Officer To Leave The Company In New Year

Kelowna-Area MLA Steve Thomson Announces Plans To Leave Politics After A Decade

Steve Thomson, a former cabinet minister in British Columbia's previous Liberal government, says he won't run again in the next provincial election.

Kelowna-Area MLA Steve Thomson Announces Plans To Leave Politics After A Decade

B.C. Seaplane Company Harbour Air Tests First Commercial Electronic Aircraft

The world's first all-electric commercial aircraft landed today after a test flight at the Harbour Air Seaplane terminal in Richmond, B.C.

B.C. Seaplane Company Harbour Air Tests First Commercial Electronic Aircraft