In a significant political development, Liberal Minister Steven Guilbeault has resigned from his cabinet positions over fundamental disagreements with the federal government's new oil pipeline agreement with Alberta. The resignation occurred on Thursday, November 28, 2025, marking a notable division within the governing party.
Colleagues Respond with Mixed Reactions
Liberal colleagues expressed respect for Guilbeault while defending the controversial energy deal. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, speaking to reporters in Halifax on Friday, described Guilbeault as a "great friend" who has "contributed in many ways to our country" and will continue to do so as he remains in the Liberal caucus.
However, Champagne quickly pivoted to justify the Alberta agreement, emphasizing that the deal positions Canada as a "responsible and sustainable energy producer." He notably added that "I think Canadians understand the world has changed," signaling a pragmatic shift in the government's energy policy approach.
Guilbeault's Strong Opposition
Guilbeault relinquished three significant roles: Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, Minister responsible for Official Languages, and the Liberals' lieutenant for Quebec. In his public statement, the former minister acknowledged shifting economic realities but maintained his environmental principles.
"I remain one of those for whom environmental issues must remain front and centre," Guilbeault declared on social media platform X. He specifically cited his "strong opposition" to the Memorandum of Understanding between the federal and Alberta governments.
The departing minister criticized the government for multiple failures in the negotiation process, including inadequate consultation with British Columbia's government and coastal First Nations communities on the West Coast. He also expressed concern about the rolling back of climate policies he had previously established during his tenure as environment minister under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Prime Minister and Colleagues Seek Unity
Prime Minister Mark Carney responded with his own statement, expressing that he has been "deeply grateful" for Guilbeault's counsel and affirming that his government "shares his fundamental commitment to climate ambition and climate competitiveness for Canada."
Carney acknowledged their differing perspectives while emphasizing continued collaboration, stating "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."
Other Liberal MPs worked to downplay the significance of the resignation in terms of party unity. MP Sean Casey asserted that "We're absolutely unified" and that "There's all kinds of room for all kinds of different opinions in our caucus." Similarly, Peter Fragiskatos described the Liberal caucus as "quite unified" while wishing Guilbeault well and calling him a "great guy" and "very good colleague."
The government indicated it had no immediate plans to fill Guilbeault's vacated positions on Friday, leaving questions about the future distribution of these important portfolios within the Liberal cabinet.
