Wednesday, July 8, 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

Quebec Backtracks On Changes To Immigration Program Aimed At Students

Quebec Backtracks On Changes To Immigration Program Aimed At Students
QUEBEC - The Quebec government is backtracking on proposed changes to a popular immigration program aimed at university students that would've seen many of them sent home.    

Quebec Backtracks On Changes To Immigration Program Aimed At Students

Students And Youth In Victoria, Whistler To Receive Free Transit Passes

VICTORIA - Students in two British Columbia communities will soon be able to ride transit for free.

Students And Youth In Victoria, Whistler To Receive Free Transit Passes

Metro Vancouver Transit Strike Prompts Cancellations As Premier John Horgan Won't Intervene

About 5,000 transit drivers, SeaBus operators and maintenance staff began limited job action last week, including a ban on overtime by maintenance workers.

Metro Vancouver Transit Strike Prompts Cancellations As Premier John Horgan Won't Intervene

Squamish Nation-led Housing Project In Vancouver To Double In Size

Squamish Nation-led Housing Project In Vancouver To Double In Size
VANCOUVER - One of the largest Indigenous-led urban development projects in Canada that proponents hope will rise in the heart of Vancouver is set to double in size with 6,000 units planned.

Squamish Nation-led Housing Project In Vancouver To Double In Size

Provincial Police Teaming Up With Montreal Force To Battle Organized Crime

MONTREAL - Quebec and Montreal police are announcing the creation of a permanent mixed squad dedicated to investigating murders linked to organized crime.

Provincial Police Teaming Up With Montreal Force To Battle Organized Crime

Almost Half Of All First Nations Families Are 'Food Insecure': 10-year Study

OTTAWA - A new national study of nutrition among First Nations has found rates of obesity and diabetes that are significantly higher than the general Canadian population.

Almost Half Of All First Nations Families Are 'Food Insecure': 10-year Study