OTTAWA — Steven Guilbeault, the former environment minister known for his staunch defense of climate policies, resigned from cabinet on Thursday, citing deep disagreements with Prime Minister Mark Carney's new agreement with Alberta on a proposed pipeline project. In a poignant social media post, Guilbeault announced his decision 'with great sadness,' emphasizing that environmental issues must remain 'front and centre' despite the country's challenging economic landscape.
Guilbeault's exit comes amid the federal government's shift toward economic recovery measures, including a memorandum of understanding with Alberta that reverses several key environmental decisions from the previous Liberal administration under Justin Trudeau. The deal, which focuses on advancing a long-contested pipeline, has sparked internal tensions within the party, though several Liberal MPs quickly moved to affirm the caucus's unity.
'Despite this difficult economic context, I remain one of those for whom environmental issues must remain front and centre,' Guilbeault wrote in his post on Thursday afternoon. He specifically opposed the pact, stating, 'That is why I strongly oppose the memorandum of understanding between the federal government and government of Alberta.' Guilbeault, who served as environment minister for years under Trudeau and was a leading advocate for the consumer carbon tax, made it clear his resignation was directly tied to the pipeline agreement and the dismantling of elements from the climate action plan he helped develop.
'Finally, over the past few months, several elements of the climate action plan I worked on as minister of the environment have been, or are about to be, dismantled,' Guilbeault added, underscoring his frustration with the policy reversals. He intends to stay on as a Liberal Member of Parliament representing Quebec but will step down from his role as Carney's Quebec lieutenant. No timeline has been announced for a cabinet shuffle to replace him.
Government House leader Steven MacKinnon acknowledged Guilbeault's contributions while defending the Alberta agreement. 'Steven Guilbeault has an impressive track record,' MacKinnon said, adding that he 'respectfully' disagrees with Guilbeault's view of the deal. According to MacKinnon, the memorandum 'offers a number of pathways to major environmental advances in Western Canada, in Alberta notably,' including initiatives like carbon capture technology and expanded renewable energy interconnects across the Prairies.
MacKinnon framed the disagreement as a natural part of party dynamics, especially in tough times. 'It's never easy to have disagreements, but it's part of belonging to a political party,' he remarked. He stressed the urgency of economic priorities, noting, 'Canada is in a period where we need to secure our economic future. The developments today, those that have come before this and those that will follow will be squarely focused on securing our economic future.'
Other Liberal MPs echoed MacKinnon's sentiments, portraying Guilbeault's departure as a principled stand rather than a fracture in the party. Rob Oliphant, a Liberal MP, described Guilbeault as a 'formidable' cabinet minister during a Thursday press interaction. When asked if the resignation undermines Carney's environmental credibility, Oliphant responded that the prime minister is 'maintaining the values we've always held while responding to a very, very difficult economic situation.'
Oliphant highlighted the caucus's broad commitment to both environmental protection and economic strength. 'I think every single member of the Liberal party has a deep concern for the environment and climate change, as well as a strong and enduring desire to have a profound Canadian economy,' he said. Observing Carney's leadership, Oliphant added, 'When I watch the prime minister walk into a caucus meeting or in the House of Commons, our caucus is solidly behind him.'
Jaime Battiste, another Liberal MP, praised Guilbeault's character while downplaying any division. 'Guilbeault is a very principled person,' Battiste said. 'While I would have liked to see him still there, he's still part of the team and the team can disagree on things as we normally do in our caucus. I think we're united in trying to have the best economy in the G7.'
The backdrop to Guilbeault's resignation traces back to the Liberal government's transition following Trudeau's departure and Carney's ascension to prime minister. Carney, a former Bank of Canada governor with a background in sustainable finance, has prioritized economic stabilization amid global uncertainties, including inflation pressures and energy market volatility. The Alberta pact represents a pragmatic pivot, aiming to boost domestic energy production while incorporating environmental safeguards, though critics like Guilbeault argue it sacrifices long-term climate goals.
Guilbeault's tenure as environment minister was marked by bold initiatives, such as the implementation of the carbon tax, which faced fierce opposition from conservative provinces like Alberta. His resignation revives debates over the balance between green policies and resource development in Canada, a nation heavily reliant on oil and gas exports. The pipeline project in question has been a flashpoint for over a decade, with previous Liberal governments under Trudeau imposing strict environmental reviews that delayed progress.
In a late Thursday social media statement, Carney expressed appreciation for Guilbeault's service. 'As Prime Minister, I have been deeply grateful for his counsel and contributions to our new government, which shares his fundamental commitment to climate ambition and climate competitiveness for Canada,' Carney wrote. He acknowledged potential differences in approach, saying, '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.'
The prime minister's words suggest an effort to keep Guilbeault engaged within the party, potentially mitigating any fallout. Analysts note that such internal dissent is not uncommon in minority governments or during policy shifts, but it could test Carney's early leadership as he navigates a divided caucus and opposition scrutiny. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has already seized on the resignation, calling it evidence of Liberal hypocrisy on climate issues, though Liberal sources dismiss this as partisan noise.
Looking ahead, the government faces mounting pressure to detail how the Alberta agreement will deliver on both economic and environmental promises. With Guilbeault's voice now from the backbenches, debates over carbon capture investments and renewable energy expansion are likely to intensify in Parliament. As Canada grapples with its role in global climate talks, the Liberal party's ability to reconcile these tensions will be closely watched by voters and international partners alike.
For now, the prevailing message from Liberal ranks is one of resilience. As Battiste put it, the team remains focused on G7 leadership in economic terms, even as environmental advocates like Guilbeault push for unwavering commitment to sustainability. The coming weeks, including any cabinet reshuffle, will provide further insight into how Carney's administration balances these competing imperatives.