Former Canadian environment and climate change minister Steven Guilbeault is set to resign as a Member of Parliament following growing disagreements with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government over climate and energy policies.
Guilbeault confirmed to CTV News that he will officially inform the Liberal caucus of his decision on Wednesday, ending weeks of speculation surrounding his political future and frustration with the federal government’s environmental direction.
Sources within the federal government revealed that Guilbeault had been considering stepping away from the Liberal caucus due to concerns over the rollback of key Trudeau-era climate policies and a controversial energy agreement with Alberta focused on constructing a new oil pipeline.
The dispute intensified after Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at advancing a major pipeline project that could begin construction as early as 2027.
Guilbeault, a longtime environmental activist and former Greenpeace campaigner, reportedly believed the agreement would make it nearly impossible for Canada to achieve its climate targets for 2030 and 2050.
More than a dozen Liberal MPs had earlier written to Carney expressing concerns about weakening methane regulations, changes to clean electricity rules in Alberta, delays to Canada’s carbon pricing targets, and the possibility of federal support for a new pipeline.
According to the Canadian Climate Institute, the policy changes tied to the Alberta agreement could significantly undermine Canada’s long-term emissions reduction goals.
Guilbeault previously resigned from Carney’s cabinet in November after the initial energy agreement was reached. At the time, he served as minister of Canadian identity and culture and publicly stated that environmental issues must remain a top national priority.
In recent interviews, Guilbeault openly criticized the government’s direction, warning that the pipeline deal could derail Canada’s emissions reduction strategy.
Industry Minister Melanie Joly acknowledged her close friendship with Guilbeault but defended the government’s current energy strategy, arguing that Canada is facing a serious energy crisis affecting fuel prices and national energy security.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has yet to publicly comment on Guilbeault’s resignation plans.
Liberal caucus chair James Maloney defended Carney’s environmental credentials, insisting there is no division within the party despite growing concern among climate-focused lawmakers.
Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin also admitted there are differing opinions within caucus ranks regarding environmental policies but said those debates ultimately strengthen the government.
Green Party leader Elizabeth May described Guilbeault’s departure as “heartbreaking,” saying his resignation would be a major loss for Canadian climate policy and Parliament itself.
May also expressed disappointment in Carney’s leadership, saying she had expected the prime minister to take a stronger stand on climate action.
Guilbeault first entered federal politics in 2019 after years of environmental activism and later served as environment minister under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau from 2021 to 2025.
Canada’s previous Liberal government committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by up to 45 percent below 2005 levels by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, though the current Carney administration has been less explicit about maintaining those goals.
The Liberal government currently holds a slim parliamentary majority with 174 seats, but Guilbeault’s resignation, combined with upcoming departures of Nathaniel Erskine-Smith and Jonathan Wilkinson, could impact the government’s future political stability.
