In a dramatic move highlighting deep internal divisions over climate policy, Montreal Member of Parliament Steven Guilbeault resigned from Prime Minister Mark Carney's cabinet last week. His departure came directly in response to a new energy agreement between the federal government and Alberta concerning a major pipeline project.
A Question of Conscience
Appearing on the popular Quebec talk show Tout le monde en parle on Sunday, Guilbeault revealed the personal conflict that led to his decision to step down as Minister of Culture and Identity. "I asked myself if I would have been able to look in the mirror," he told host Guy A. Lepage. "Would I be able to defend these decisions and say: 'Yes. I agree.'" He stated he could not, in good conscience, remain part of the cabinet following the signing of a memorandum of understanding for a new bitumen pipeline in Western Canada.
The 55-year-old MP, a former Greenpeace activist and co-founder of Équiterre, is no stranger to environmental protest. In a famous 2001 act, he scaled the CN Tower to demand action on climate change. He was appointed federal environment minister by former prime minister Justin Trudeau in 2021 before being moved to the culture portfolio by the Carney government in March 2025.
Resignation Amid Unwavering Support for Carney
Despite his principled stand against the pipeline deal, Guilbeault was careful to express his continued support for Prime Minister Carney. His voice at times catching with emotion, he framed his resignation as a specific policy disagreement, not a rejection of the government's overall leadership.
"The decision was a disagreement I had with the prime minister over the way to conduct the fight against climate change," he clarified. "But if there was an election tomorrow morning, I'd vote for Mark Carney." He added that he believes Carney is "the best person that we need right now," despite their differences on this critical issue.
Looking Forward: A Voice from the Backbench
Guilbeault admitted to mixed emotions about leaving the culture portfolio, appearing on the verge of tears when asked if he had regrets. "There are so many things I still wanted to do," he said, referencing the praise he received from the cultural community after his resignation was announced. He pledged to continue working for them as a Liberal MP.
He emphasized that leaving cabinet has granted him a new independence to speak openly on environmental matters. His candid appearance on TLMEP served as the first example of this newfound freedom. Guilbeault's resignation, submitted last Thursday, underscores the ongoing tension within Canadian politics between economic development in the energy sector and commitments to environmental protection and climate action.
