Liberal Member of Parliament Steven Guilbeault has resigned from his cabinet position due to the federal government’s recent agreement with Alberta on a new bitumen pipeline to the B.C. coast. Guilbeault, who had been serving as official languages minister and the minister of Canadian identity and culture, expressed his strong opposition to the agreement, citing his commitment to environmental issues.
In a social media statement, Guilbeault emphasized his dedication to fighting climate change and protecting the environment. He will continue to serve as a Liberal MP, thanking Prime Minister Mark Carney for the opportunity to be in the cabinet.
The agreement between Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith outlines the construction of a pipeline to transport one million barrels of oil per day from Alberta to a Pacific coast export terminal. Guilbeault raised environmental concerns regarding the memorandum of understanding and referenced the dismantling of climate action measures he had previously worked on as environment minister.
As part of the deal, Ottawa will suspend the proposed federal oil and gas emissions cap and remove Alberta’s Clean Electricity Regulations requirements. The agreement also includes a commitment to increase the industrial carbon price in Alberta. Both Ottawa and Alberta aim to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, despite the potential impact on conventional energy production.
Following Guilbeault’s resignation, Carney praised his leadership in advancing sustainability and expressed appreciation for his contributions in cabinet. The Quebec MP, known for his environmental activism, co-founded an environmental organization before entering politics and has a history of advocating for environmental causes through various stunts.
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May called on Guilbeault to join her caucus, emphasizing the importance of strong climate action in Canadian politics. Carney reiterated the government’s commitment to climate targets, highlighting the ongoing efforts to address environmental challenges.
The resignation of Guilbeault signals a shift in the government’s environmental policies and highlights the ongoing debate surrounding climate action in Canada.