Liberal Member of Parliament Steven Guilbeault has resigned from his cabinet position due to the federal government’s agreement with Alberta on a new bitumen pipeline to the British Columbia coast. In a detailed social media statement, Guilbeault expressed his commitment to fighting climate change and protecting the environment, citing his opposition to the memorandum of understanding between Ottawa and Alberta.
Guilbeault, who served as Minister of Official Languages and Canadian Identity, as well as Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Quebec lieutenant, will continue as a Liberal MP. The agreement signed by Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith outlines the construction of a pipeline to transport a million barrels of oil daily to the Pacific coast for export to Asian markets.
While Carney hailed the deal as a demonstration of cooperative federalism, Guilbeault raised environmental concerns regarding the agreement. Notably, the agreement includes suspending the proposed federal oil and gas emissions cap and removing Alberta’s Clean Electricity Regulations requirements. This move has drawn criticism from Guilbeault, who emphasized the importance of environmental issues in his political career.
Despite Guilbeault’s resignation, he will remain an active member of the Liberal caucus. The agreement between Ottawa and Alberta also involves raising the industrial carbon price in the province to a minimum of $130 per tonne. Both parties have committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, despite potential implications for conventional energy production.
Following Guilbeault’s resignation, various political figures, including Energy Minister Tim Hodgson, praised his dedication to Canada’s betterment. Guilbeault’s history as an environmental advocate, including his involvement in Greenpeace activism and opposition to pipeline projects, has shaped his political career.
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May has extended an invitation to Guilbeault to join her party, emphasizing the importance of climate action in Canadian politics. Guilbeault’s departure from the cabinet has sparked discussions about the government’s environmental policies and the role of MPs in addressing climate change.