In a dramatic political development on Thursday, November 27, 2025, Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault resigned from Prime Minister Mark Carney's cabinet. His departure coincided with the signing of a significant energy agreement between the federal government and the province of Alberta.
A Landmark Energy Agreement
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that establishes a framework for the potential construction of a new oil pipeline. The agreement, which Premier Smith hailed as a 'great day for Alberta,' lays out specific conditions that must be met for the project to proceed.
The timing of the two events—the high-profile resignation and the signing of a contentious energy deal—suggests a deep ideological divide within the federal government regarding Canada's energy and environmental future.
Political Fallout and Immediate Reactions
The resignation of Minister Guilbeault, a former environmental activist, signals profound disagreement with the direction set by the MOU. While the details of the pipeline plan are being finalized, the agreement represents a major shift in federal-provincial energy relations.
Meanwhile, a leader from a British Columbia First Nation was quick to respond, stating that the pipeline MOU changes nothing from their perspective and that the tanker ban remains non-negotiable. This sets the stage for potential future conflicts as the project develops.
A Broader National Context
The day's events unfolded against a backdrop of other significant news from across Canada. These included a fatal plane crash on Vancouver Island, a new ranking of Ontario schools, and the recall of nearly $2 million worth of U.S. alcohol from LCBO shelves that could expire within months, as noted by Finance Minister Bethlenfalvy.
This convergence of environmental policy, political resignation, and intergovernmental agreement marks a pivotal moment in Canadian politics, with lasting implications for the nation's economy and climate goals.
