Thursday, July 9, 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

People Move From Homelessness To Housing In Langley

People Move From Homelessness To Housing In Langley
Forty-nine people are transitioning from homelessness to supportive housing, as the doors open this week at a newly renovated building at 6465 201 St. in Langley.

People Move From Homelessness To Housing In Langley

BC Celebrating Access to Justice Week 2019

BC Celebrating Access to Justice Week 2019
The B.C. government has proclaimed Oct. 27 to Nov. 2, 2019, Access to Justice Week, an annual event that engages the public and legal community to showcase ways to make it easier for British Columbians to resolve their disputes and deal with legal matters.    

BC Celebrating Access to Justice Week 2019

How Amplify BC Is Helping Artists' Voices Be Heard

Biawanna is excited to film their first music video, thanks to a grant from Amplify BC.    

How Amplify BC Is Helping Artists' Voices Be Heard

K-12 Students Learn How STEAM Connects To Careers

Students and educators throughout B.C. will be able to connect with learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering, art and design, and mathematics (STEAM) through a new network of resources and mentorships.  

K-12 Students Learn How STEAM Connects To Careers

MISSING: Police Looking For 23-Year-Old Mississauga Woman SHIVPREET GHOTRA

Shivpreet Ghotra is described as female, South Asian, 5’2” heavy build, long brown hair and is wearing a pink jacket.

MISSING: Police Looking For 23-Year-Old Mississauga Woman SHIVPREET GHOTRA

Don't Miss: Surrey RCMP's Public Safety Fair

Residents, businesses, youth and families are invited to join the Surrey RCMP at our Public Safety Fair.    

Don't Miss: Surrey RCMP's Public Safety Fair