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Liberals call departing Guilbeault a ‘great guy’ but say ‘world has changed’
OTTAWA — Liberals had nice things to say about their colleague Steven Guilbeault, who resigned from cabinet on Thursday over the Ottawa-Alberta roadmap for a proposed new oil pipeline but they tempered his criticism of the deal which he “strongly” opposes.
Speaking to reporters in Halifax on Friday, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne called Guilbeault a “great friend” and said he “has contributed in many ways to our country and will continue to do so” as he remains a member of the Liberal caucus.
But Champagne went on to explain the importance of the deal struck with Alberta, which he said will ensure that Canada can be a “responsible and sustainable energy producer.”
“I think Canadians understand the world has changed,” he said.
Guilbeault resigned as minister of culture and Canadian identity and minister responsible for official languages, but also as the Liberals’ lieutenant for Quebec. The government had no immediate plans to replace him in his various roles on Friday.
Guilbeault wrote in his statement published on Thursday that he appreciates Canada’s relationship with the United States has shifted, leading to profound changes in the economy, but said he remains “one of those for whom environmental issues must remain front and centre.”
“That is why I strongly oppose the Memorandum of understanding between the federal government and the government of Alberta,” he wrote on X.
He slammed his government for failing to consult with British Columbia’s government and with coastal First Nations on the West Coast, as well as for rolling back climate policies that he put in place when he was minister of the environment under Justin Trudeau.
Prime Minister Mark Carney released his own statement on X , saying he has been “deeply grateful” for Guilbeault’s counsel and said his government “shares his fundamental commitment to climate ambition and climate competitiveness for Canada.”
“While we may have differing views at times on how exactly we make essential progress, I am glad Steven will continue to offer his important perspectives as a Member of Parliament in our Liberal caucus,” Carney wrote.
Liberal MPs downplayed the divisions in their caucus over this new deal with Alberta.
“We’re absolutely unified. There’s all kinds of room for all kinds of different opinions in our caucus. There always has been,” said Sean Casey. “So, I have absolutely no concerns about the health of the caucus and the state of unity. None, whatsoever.”
Peter Fragiskatos said the Liberal caucus is in his view “quite unified.”
“There are always discussions, and I certainly wish Steven Guilbeault well. Steven’s a great guy, a very good colleague, and we’ll continue to work together,” he said.
Casey said Guilbeault has “dedicated his life to climate issues, and it’s completely understandable that he would stand on that principle.”
“Does that mean that there’s a cancer spreading through the caucus? Absolutely not.”
It is not unusual for Liberal MPs to publicly disagree with government policy. However, Carney’s deal with Alberta has made him vulnerable to his more progressive flank and is causing unrest in his B.C. caucus. — some MPs fear losing their seats.
“I think many of them are deeply concerned with the change of direction that this government has taken,” said B.C. NDP MP Jenny Kwan.
She said lifting the tanker ban, even partially, would have “deep implications” for British Columbians and coastal communities.
Liberal MP Charles Sousa insisted that Guilbeault is “not leaving caucus — he’s just finding it difficult for himself.”
Sousa also suggested that the dust will eventually settle on this issue. “I believe, as time proceeds, we’ll come to appreciate and recognize that any agreement between Alberta and B.C. and Indigenous peoples needs to be worked out too,” he said.
“So, we’ll see what happens next, but I believe caucus is supportive of doing what’s in the best interest of Canadians.”
Guilbeault’s resignation came up in Friday’s question period, with the Bloc Québécois wondering if the federal government could also impose a pipeline on Quebec and Conservatives showcasing the cracks into the Liberal caucus over the deal.
“The Liberal caucus is only cracking open wide enough to welcome Conservatives to come join us,” shot back Justice Minister Sean Fraser, referring to the recent floor-crossing of former Conservative MP Chris d’Entremont to the Liberal benches.
When asked what he says to progressives who, like Guilbeault, are disappointed by the government’s plan build a proposed pipeline, Casey said: “Give it time.”
He then said the quiet part out loud.
“The MOU does not mean that there will necessarily be a pipeline. There’s a pathway to a pipeline that involves all the checks and balances that will keep those voters happy.”
National Post calevesque@postmedia.com
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