Guilbeault resigns from cabinet over Carney’s energy deal with Alberta

Steven Guilbeault has resigned from the prime minister’s cabinet, citing his strong opposition to the federal Liberal government’s major new energy agreement with Alberta, accusing Mark Carney of dismantling of climate plans.

The dramatic departure comes just hours after Carney signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) alongside Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, laying the groundwork for strengthened cooperation on major energy projects, including a new pipeline and carbon capture.

In a lengthy statement posted online, Guilbeault said he informed the prime minister of his decision this afternoon, noting he is also departing from his key political role as Carney’s Quebec lieutenant.

While stating he understands the prime minster’s efforts in the face of “profound disruption,” Guilbeault 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,” Guilbeault said, noting he made the decision “with great sadness.”

Tension with Smith predates PM

Among the aspects of the MOU Guilbeault takes issue with are the environmental impacts of a new pipeline, the absence of consultation with B.C. First Nations or the provincial government, the prospect of lifting the tanker ban and allowing Alberta to get out of certain regulations.

Guilbeault had been serving as the minister responsible for official languages since May, and Carney’s minister of Canadian identity and culture since March. He held a series of other cabinet portfolios – including the minister for environment and climate change – under former prime minister Justin Trudeau.

The tension between Smith and Guilbeault predates the current prime minister. The Alberta premier had called on Trudeau to replace him in the environmental portfolio, saying she couldn’t work with him.

Reacting to his colleague’s resignation, Energy Minister Tim Hodgson stood by Carney’s approach, calling it “a win from an environmental perspective,” while also calling Guilbeault a friend who he greatly respects.

“He’s been a very valued member of cabinet. I understand he’s going to continue to be a valued member of caucus, and I think that’s good for Canada,” Hodgson said.

Liberal B.C. MP Sukh Dhaliwal told CTV News in a phone interview that he respects Guilbeault’s decision because the “Liberal Party is a big tent.”

“What he’s doing, it’s according to his conscience,” said Dhaliwal. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for Mr. Guilbeault.”

Dhaliwal says he checked in with Guilbeault yesterday, and knew the outgoing minister wasn’t happy. But he maintains the MOU with Alberta is a “win-win-win” for Alberta, B.C., Indigenous people and all Canadians.

“I completely support the prime minister on this,” Dhaliwal said.

Dhaliwal was back in his riding of Surrey Newton speaking with constituents Thursday, and said he hasn’t “seen a single negative comment” about the MOU.

Carney dismantling climate plan: Guilbeault

First elected to the House of Commons in 2019 – to represent the downtown Montreal riding of Laurier-Sainte-Marie, Que. – Guilbeault said he plans to stay on as a Liberal member of Parliament, meaning he intends to still participate in caucus meetings.

“As you know, I chose to enter politics to champion the fight against climate change and the protection of the environment,” Guilbeault said in the statement, going on to list some of what he viewed as his accomplishments, including eliminating single-use plastics, developing a climate adaptation strategy and supporting Canadian arts and culture.

In January, Guilbeault endorsed Carney as Liberal leader, calling him the “right person” to build a strong economy and fight climate change.

At the time it was a major vote of confidence from one of the federal government’s strongest environmental advocates, as Guilbeault said he was willing to work with the former central banker to find a replacement for the consumer carbon tax.

Now, he says in recent months, “several elements of the climate action plan I worked on as minister of the environment have been, or are about to be, dismantled,” citing carbon pricing, the zero-emission vehicle standard, and the oil and gas emissions cap.

In a statement, Carney confirmed that Guilbeault will stay on as a Liberal MP, while defending his climate strategy. The prime minister said that, while he was “deeply grateful” for his ex-minister’s contributions, “a climate strategy based solely on regulations and prohibitions will not achieve our climate objectives not least because it will fail to generate the alignment of interests required for this historic undertaking.”

Carney also said that while the two men “may have differing views at times on how exactly we make essential progress,” he’s glad Guilbeault “will continue to offer his important perspectives.”

With files from CTV News’ Spencer Van Dyk, Stephanie Ha and Abigail Bimman