OTTAWA — Steven Guilbeault, a prominent climate activist and Liberal MP, has resigned from Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet. His resignation comes in response to the federal government’s recent agreement with Alberta to support a major pipeline project to the west coast. This decision was confirmed by two government sources.

The memorandum of understanding, signed earlier on Thursday in Calgary, outlines how the federal government will facilitate the construction of a pipeline that will transport one million barrels of oil daily from Alberta to a Pacific export terminal. The deal also involves suspending proposed federal oil and gas emissions caps and removing Alberta's requirements under the Clean Electricity Regulations, both of which were established while Guilbeault served as environment minister under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Guilbeault, who was first elected in 2019, has held various cabinet positions, including the environment and climate change portfolio. He co-founded Équiterre, a Quebec-based environmental organization, and was previously the director of a provincial chapter of Greenpeace. Guilbeault has a history of activism, including a notable incident in 2001 when he was arrested for scaling the CN Tower in Toronto to protest climate inaction.

In his role as environment minister, Guilbeault championed several climate policies, including regulations for clean electricity and a cap on greenhouse gas emissions from the oil and gas sector. However, he faced challenges reconciling his environmental advocacy with the government's support for fossil fuel projects, such as the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion.

The recent agreement has drawn criticism for diluting significant climate policies that Guilbeault helped implement. A senior government source indicated that Guilbeault planned to issue a resignation statement later on Thursday.

Prime Minister Carney, who signed the agreement with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, described it as an example of cooperative federalism, emphasizing a partnership built on trust. The Carney administration has indicated a willingness to adjust its climate policies, including the potential cancellation of the oil-and-gas emissions cap if certain conditions regarding carbon capture and industrial pricing are met.

As the government navigates its climate strategy, it has faced scrutiny over its commitment to international climate targets, particularly under the Paris Agreement. Carney has stated a preference for achieving results rather than merely setting objectives, raising concerns among environmentalists about the government's dedication to its climate commitments. Earlier this month, Carney received support from Green Leader Elizabeth May in a confidence vote, reaffirming Canada’s commitment to its Paris targets.