Canadian Premier 'Deeply Disturbed' Biden Admin. Revoked Keystone XL Permit, Calls for Sanctions: 'Not How You Treat a Friend and Ally'

Nick Kangadis | January 21, 2021
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We're going to be saying the following phrase for a while, but "that didn't take long." On day one of his administration, President Joe Biden has seemingly strained the relationship between at least one Canadian province - ironically the province that the U.S. does the most business with - and the United States.

After his termination of the permit to allow the Keystone XL pipeline project to continue, Alberta, Canada Premier Jason Kenney absolutely blasted the new administration for the move which he referred to as a "gut-punch" and an "insult" to "the United States most important ally."

With over $100 billion worth of exports to the United States every year, Alberta has a broad range of important issues to work on to create prosperity for people on both sides of the border. But as friends and allies of the United States, we are deeply disturbed that one of President Biden’s first actions in office has been to rescind the presidential permit for the Keystone XL pipeline border crossing. This is a gut-punch for the Canadian and Alberta economies. Sadly, it is an insult directed at the United States’ most important ally and trading partner on day one of a new administration.

Kenney was very direct with how Biden's move to kill the pipeline, and continued by scolding the new administration for this job-killing action.

"Let’s be clear about what happened today," Kenney continued. "The leader of our closest ally retroactively vetoed approval for a pipeline that already exists, which is co-owned by a Canadian government, directly attacking - by far - the largest Canada/U.S. trade relationship, which is our energy industry and exports."

The premier also said that the move by the Biden administration - which was done "without even giving [Alberta, Canada] a chance formally to communicate with the new administration."

"That’s not good faith. In my books, that’s not how you treat a friend and an ally," Kenney also said.

Kenney even went so far as to call on Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to place trade sanctions on the U.S. should the Biden administration not come to the table to even talk about the move.

"If, however, the U.S. refuses to open the door to a constructive and respectful dialogue about these issues, then it is clear that the government of Canada must impose meaningful trade and economic sanctions in response to defend our country’s vital economic interests," Kenney said. "Not doing so would create a dangerous precedent." 

For Kenney's comments, watch below:

 

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