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

Liberal MP Anthony Rota Upsets Regan To Become Speaker In Minority Parliament

OTTAWA - Liberal MP Anthony Rota has been elected Speaker of the House of Commons.

Liberal MP Anthony Rota Upsets Regan To Become Speaker In Minority Parliament

Speech From The Throne Steeped In Tradition, But This Year Brings New Changes

Speech From The Throne Steeped In Tradition, But This Year Brings New Changes
The opening of Parliament is steeped in centuries-old traditions, but this year some new elements — including a renovated train station and an astronaut — are bringing a modern touch to the ceremonies.    

Speech From The Throne Steeped In Tradition, But This Year Brings New Changes

WATCH: Joe Biden's Campaign For U.S. President Uses Trudeau In Anti-Trump Ad

A video of Justin Trudeau gossiping with other world leaders about Donald Trump is featuring in an advertisement for the U.S. president's leading political rival.    

WATCH: Joe Biden's Campaign For U.S. President Uses Trudeau In Anti-Trump Ad

'Terrific:' Victims' Son Pleased High Court Rejected Travis Vader Appeal Request

OTTAWA - Bret McCann had planned to stay awake at his home in Australia to find out whether the Supreme Court of Canada would hear an appeal by the man convicted of killing his parents.    

'Terrific:' Victims' Son Pleased High Court Rejected Travis Vader Appeal Request

Supreme Court Won't Hear Appeal From Former Nazi Death Squad Member Helmut Oberlander

Jewish groups across the country hailed the Supreme Court's decision not to allow an elderly man who lied about his time working for a Nazi death squad to continue his fight to retain Canadian citizenship

Supreme Court Won't Hear Appeal From Former Nazi Death Squad Member Helmut Oberlander

Vaping: Nova Scotia First Province To Ban Flavoured E-Cigarettes, Juices

HALIFAX - Nova Scotia has joined a growing list of provinces clamping down on vaping.    

Vaping: Nova Scotia First Province To Ban Flavoured E-Cigarettes, Juices