Steven Guilbeault, a prominent figure in Canadian politics and former cabinet minister, has resigned from his position, citing a fundamental disagreement with a federal agreement to support a new oil pipeline in Alberta. His resignation has drawn attention due to his past as an environmental activist, particularly a notable incident in 2001 when he was arrested after scaling the CN Tower in Toronto to protest climate inaction.

Guilbeault's departure from cabinet marks a significant moment in his political career. He had previously embraced a role that many viewed as a departure from his radical activist roots. His climb up the CN Tower, where he unfurled a banner reading "Canada and Bush Climate Killers," was a high-profile protest aimed at urging Canada to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, a treaty designed to combat climate change. This act of defiance made him a well-known figure in the environmental movement, garnering both admiration and criticism.

At 55, Guilbeault's image has evolved from that of a rebellious activist to a government official. He served as the Minister of Canadian Heritage and later as the Minister of Environment and Climate Change under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. His tenure in these roles was marked by efforts to balance environmental advocacy with the realities of governance, a challenge that often put him at odds with both his former activist peers and the energy sector.

Guilbeault's resignation comes after he expressed strong opposition to a memorandum of understanding between the federal government and Alberta regarding the pipeline project. In a statement, he expressed his sadness over the decision, emphasizing his commitment to fighting climate change and protecting the environment. "I chose to enter politics to champion the fight against climate change and the protection of the environment," he stated.

His political journey began when he was elected as a Liberal MP for Laurier—Sainte-Marie in 2019, a riding he won from the NDP. Guilbeault described himself as a "radical pragmatist," believing that working within the Liberal Party was a more effective way to achieve environmental goals than opposing the Conservatives.

Despite his efforts, Guilbeault faced criticism from various quarters. Conservative MPs labeled him as an "ideological anti-energy activist," reflecting the tension between his past as an activist and his responsibilities as a minister. His background includes a childhood in Quebec, where he was influenced by his family's values and his education in political science and theology at the Université de Montréal.

Throughout his career, Guilbeault has been involved in numerous environmental protests, including blocking coal shipments and climbing onto the roofs of government officials' homes to install solar panels. His commitment to environmental issues remained evident during his time in office, where he introduced the Emission Reduction Plan in 2022, aimed at meeting international carbon reduction commitments.

As he steps away from his cabinet role, Guilbeault has stated that he will continue to serve as a Liberal MP, maintaining his focus on environmental advocacy. His resignation highlights the ongoing struggle within politics to reconcile environmental ideals with economic and political realities, particularly in the context of Canada's energy policies.