Liberal Member of Parliament Steven Guilbeault has resigned from his cabinet position following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the federal government and Alberta. The agreement outlines plans for a new bitumen pipeline from Alberta to the B.C. coast. Guilbeault, who had been serving as the official languages minister and the minister of Canadian identity and culture, expressed his opposition to the agreement due to his commitment to environmental protection and climate change advocacy.

Despite his resignation from the cabinet, Guilbeault will continue to serve as a Liberal MP. The agreement, signed by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney, aims to facilitate the construction of a pipeline to transport oil to the Pacific coast for export to Asian markets. Guilbeault cited environmental concerns and differences in views on climate action measures as reasons for his opposition to the agreement.

As part of the deal, Ottawa will suspend the proposed federal oil and gas emissions cap and lift Alberta’s requirements under the Clean Electricity Regulations. The agreement also includes a commitment to increase the industrial carbon price in Alberta. Both sides have pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, despite the potential impact of the agreement on conventional energy production.

Following Guilbeault’s resignation, Carney praised his leadership in sustainability efforts and expressed gratitude for his contributions to the government. The Quebec MP, known for his environmental activism, co-founded an environmental organization and held various cabinet positions related to climate change under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Green Party Leader Elizabeth May has called on Guilbeault to join her caucus, emphasizing the importance of climate advocacy in Canadian politics.