Steven Guilbeault is stepping down as a member of Parliament, according to sources. The Montreal MP and former environment minister is set to announce his resignation to his Liberal caucus colleagues on Wednesday. Additionally, Guilbeault will address the House of Commons later that day to inform his constituents in Laurier-Sainte-Marie about his decision.
A source familiar with Guilbeault’s choice mentioned that he is leaving the federal Liberals due to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s actions to reverse significant aspects of Canada’s climate and environmental policies. Despite this, Guilbeault is expected to deliver a speech in the Commons that maintains a positive and hopeful stance rather than criticizing the government’s environmental policy changes.
It has been reported that Guilbeault was approached about switching parties or becoming an Independent but is anticipated to continue serving as an MP until the House adjourns for the summer recess. The details of Guilbeault’s departure were initially disclosed by CTV News and the Globe and Mail.
During the first year of Carney’s administration, several key environmental policies were repealed, including the consumer carbon tax and EV sales mandate. Furthermore, the government signaled the end of the oil and gas emissions cap and reversed the commitment to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies. There are ongoing projects, such as a bitumen pipeline to the West Coast and multiple LNG export terminals, which are expected to increase carbon emissions but also bring economic benefits.
Many of these policy reversals were initiatives that Guilbeault had been involved in promoting during his tenure as Canada’s environment and climate change minister. His decision to resign came after the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Alberta that suspended clean electricity regulations, prompting Guilbeault to emphasize his ongoing commitment to fighting climate change and environmental protection.
Even though he is no longer a part of the cabinet, Guilbeault continued to advocate for environmental causes, assisting in developing the government’s nature strategy and international climate finance commitments. He also tried to influence the negotiations regarding the Alberta MOU to maintain strong climate commitments.
The departure of Guilbeault, along with other Liberal MPs, including Jonathan Wilkinson and Nate Erskine-Smith, poses a challenge for the party to maintain its majority in the Parliament. However, with the House of Commons adjourning in June for the summer break, the immediate impact on the Carney government’s position is not a pressing concern.
Guilbeault’s resignation has raised concerns among environmental groups, with Greenpeace Canada criticizing the government’s prioritization of oil interests over the welfare of Canadians. The departure of Guilbeault marks another gap within the Liberal ranks, requiring strategic efforts to regain lost seats for maintaining parliamentary dominance.