Monday, July 6, 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

VolunTEEN Leader Poonam Deol Wins Service Delivery Excellence Award

Even as a child, Poonam Deol knew she wanted to work in health care. “I believe everyone deserves to have better health,” Poonam says, “I want to be a part of making that possible however I can.”

VolunTEEN Leader Poonam Deol Wins Service Delivery Excellence Award

Corporate Profits By B.C. Doctors Key In Private-care Trial: Federal Lawyer

Corporate Profits By B.C. Doctors Key In Private-care Trial: Federal Lawyer
Profit for doctors providing surgery in private clinics is at the heart of a trial that threatens to undermine Canada's universal health-care system 

Corporate Profits By B.C. Doctors Key In Private-care Trial: Federal Lawyer

Missing Persons DNA Database Helps Identify Remains Of Homeless Calgary Man

CALGARY - The body of a missing man has been identified through the national missing persons DNA databank in what Calgary police say is a first in Canada.    

Missing Persons DNA Database Helps Identify Remains Of Homeless Calgary Man

Loto Quebec Seeks Winners Of Unclaimed Prizes, Including Million-Dollar Ones

Loto Quebec Seeks Winners Of Unclaimed Prizes, Including Million-Dollar Ones
The provincial crown corporation says a $500,000 and a $250,000 prize have yet to be claimed off tickets bought in the Capitale-Nationale and Joliette regions.    

Loto Quebec Seeks Winners Of Unclaimed Prizes, Including Million-Dollar Ones

CN, Teamsters Reach Tentative Deal, With Economic Fallout Still Top Of Mind

Normal operations at Canadian National Railway Co. will resume Wednesday at 6 a.m. local time across Canada, the union said.

CN, Teamsters Reach Tentative Deal, With Economic Fallout Still Top Of Mind

Found Guilty, Romance Scammer Wants Stay Over In-Custody Strip Searches

    In his application to Ontario's Superior Court of Justice, Shaun Rootenberg argues the breach of his charter rights was significant enough to stop the case against him.

Found Guilty, Romance Scammer Wants Stay Over In-Custody Strip Searches