Liberal MPs are pushing back against suggestions of internal division after Steven Guilbeault resigned from cabinet in protest of the federal government’s new agreement with Alberta on a potential future pipeline — a move that sent shockwaves through Ottawa’s climate and political circles.
Guilbeault, a longtime environmental advocate and former environment minister under Justin Trudeau, stepped down as Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, citing deep frustration over what he called the reversal of key climate policies he helped shape. In a social media statement, he said he could not support the memorandum of understanding with Alberta and warned that parts of the climate action plan he worked on are being dismantled.
Despite the high-profile resignation, Liberal MPs insist the party remains united. Charlottetown MP Sean Casey said there is “absolutely no concern” about caucus cohesion, adding that Guilbeault’s decision reflects his personal principles rather than a broader ideological split. “Does it mean there’s a cancer spreading through the caucus? Absolutely not,” he said.
Other Liberal MPs echoed the sentiment. Peter Fragiskatos said the team remains “quite unified,” while Rob Oliphant praised Guilbeault as a “formidable” minister but emphasized that Prime Minister Mark Carney continues to balance environmental commitments with tough economic realities. Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon also pushed back on Guilbeault’s interpretation of the Alberta agreement, arguing it opens pathways for environmental progress through measures like carbon capture and expanded renewable energy infrastructure.
Still, not everyone on Parliament Hill is convinced the Liberals are immune to internal strain. NDP MP Jenny Kwan said the tanker ban discussions and pipeline implications pose “grave” risks for coastal communities. She suggested some B.C. Liberal MPs appeared uneasy, noting their absence from the Commons the day before Guilbeault resigned. “They may be keeping it to themselves at the moment, but time will tell,” she said.
Guilbeault, known for his unwavering stance on climate issues, plans to remain in the Liberal caucus but will no longer serve as Carney’s Quebec lieutenant. His departure leaves unanswered questions about the timing of a cabinet shuffle and the future direction of federal climate policy.
Prime Minister Carney, in a statement Thursday night, thanked Guilbeault for shaping Canada’s sustainability agenda and said that despite occasional differences in approach, the government shares his commitment to climate ambition and competitiveness. Carney added he is “glad Steven will continue to offer his important perspectives” from within the caucus as the party navigates a challenging economic and environmental landscape.
For now, Liberal MPs insist they remain firmly behind the prime minister — even as the fallout from Guilbeault’s resignation continues to ripple through political and environmental communities nationwide.