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

Student Safety Increased Through BC School-Police Partnerships

A stronger partnership between schools and police is helping keep more B.C. students safe.  

Student Safety Increased Through BC School-Police Partnerships

National Housing Day: Premier John Horgan’s Says We Are Increasing Supply, Curbing Speculative Demand And Tackling Fraud And Money Laundering

Premier John Horgan has issued the following statement in recognition of National Housing Day on Friday, Nov. 22, 2019:

National Housing Day: Premier John Horgan’s Says We Are Increasing Supply, Curbing Speculative Demand And Tackling Fraud And Money Laundering

Video: Sikh Toddler Helping Clean Up After ‘Langar’ At Gurdwara Wins Hearts - WATCH

A Sikh child’s ‘selfless service’ at a gurdwara, the video of which has gone viral, has melted hearts. There is a one-minute clip of the small boy helping at the gurdwara.    

Video: Sikh Toddler Helping Clean Up After ‘Langar’ At Gurdwara Wins Hearts - WATCH

No Substantive Progress' In Talks As CN Rail Workers Strike Enters Fourth Day

No Substantive Progress' In Talks As CN Rail Workers Strike Enters Fourth Day
MONTREAL - The strike at the country's biggest railway has entered its fourth day with no resolution in sight as round-the-clock negotiations continue under the watch of federal mediators.

No Substantive Progress' In Talks As CN Rail Workers Strike Enters Fourth Day

'I Was Bawling': Injured Bronco's Mother Stunned By His Progress After Surgery

The mother of a hockey player paralyzed in the Humboldt Broncos bus crash says she's stunned by the progress he has made since receiving spinal surgery in Thailand.    

'I Was Bawling': Injured Bronco's Mother Stunned By His Progress After Surgery

China's New Envoy To Canada Delivers Familiar Message On Justice, Rights

China's New Envoy To Canada Delivers Familiar Message On Justice, Rights
OTTAWA - Beijing has a new representative in Canada, but the stern message to Ottawa remains the same.    

China's New Envoy To Canada Delivers Familiar Message On Justice, Rights