Monday, December 22, 2025
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

Museum of Surrey Launches Upcycled Art Contest for Kids, Youth

Museum of Surrey Launches Upcycled Art Contest for Kids, Youth
“The only rule is participants have to use existing materials instead of new ones, and most importantly, have fun!” said Museum of Surrey Curator Colleen Sharpe of the contest inspired by the new feature exhibit Nature's Clothesline.

Museum of Surrey Launches Upcycled Art Contest for Kids, Youth

Man arrested for threats against Surrey city councillor

Man arrested for threats against Surrey city councillor
On November 23, 2020, Surrey RCMP received a report of threats of violence that were made toward a member of Surrey City Council and the Prime Minister.

Man arrested for threats against Surrey city councillor

Trudeau says most could get vaccine by September

Trudeau says most could get vaccine by September
Trudeau announced Friday that Maj.-Gen. Dany Fortin will lead the nation's vaccine distribution efforts, overseeing logistics that include cold storage requirements, data sharing, and reaching Indigenous communities.

Trudeau says most could get vaccine by September

Vancouver Police looking for witnesses to Dowtown Eastside Stabbing

Vancouver Police looking for witnesses to Dowtown Eastside Stabbing
Police were called to Hastings Street near Main Street on November 24 just before 7:30 p.m. for a 45-year-old man who had been stabbed.

Vancouver Police looking for witnesses to Dowtown Eastside Stabbing

Black Friday off to a quiet start across Canada

Black Friday off to a quiet start across Canada
Many brick-and-mortar stores seemed almost deserted compared to the usual crowds and fanfare of the one-day shopping bonanza.

Black Friday off to a quiet start across Canada

Liberals face pressure for economic plan in update

Liberals face pressure for economic plan in update
Business and labour groups say the government must outline concrete proposals to manage COVID-19 in the short term, but also outline more long-term steps for recovery.

Liberals face pressure for economic plan in update