OTTAWA — Liberals had nice things to say about their colleague Steven Guilbeault, who resigned from cabinet on Thursday over the Ottawa-Alberta roadmap for a proposed new oil pipeline but they tempered his criticism of the deal which he “strongly” opposes.

Speaking to reporters in Halifax on Friday, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne called Guilbeault a “great friend” and said he “has contributed in many ways to our country and will continue to do so” as he remains a member of the Liberal caucus.

But Champagne went on to explain the importance of the deal struck with Alberta, which he said will ensure that Canada can be a “responsible and sustainable energy producer.”

“I think Canadians understand the world has changed,” he said.

Guilbeault resigned as minister of culture a

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