Christy Clark says B.C. will work with new Alberta government on climate change, pipelines
B.C. government congratulates Alberta premier-designate on historic NDP win, plans to work together
B.C. Premier Christy Clark said she expects to get along well with Alberta's premier-designate, Rachel Notley, even though Clark endorsed Notley's opponent, former Progressive Conservative leader Jim Prentice.
"I think it will be really positive," said Clark Wednesday. "Canada's better when the West works together."
"They're interested in working together on climate change. We've got a lot, I think, to teach Alberta," referring to B.C.'s carbon tax that's been in place since 2008.
"It would be fantastic if Alberta became a part of that."
'I've managed to deal with everybody'
Even the most outspoken cabinet ministers in B.C.'s Liberal government expressed interest in working with the Alberta NDP.
"I've seen the changes in Ontario, Quebec, and I've managed to deal with everybody, said Rich Coleman, B.C.'s deputy premier.
"I don't see why we can't get along," said B.C. energy minister Bill Bennett.
Pipeline discussions to come says Clark
It's not clear yet what the NDP win will mean for pipeline projects proposed for B.C. The Alberta NDP has said its interested in Kinder Morgan's TransMountain line, but Rachel Notley has spoken against the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline.
Clark says she looks forward to discussing the pipelines with Notley including the five conditions B.C. wants met before it supports either pipeline.,
"I think Albertans spoke absolutely clearly on the need for social license when it comes to moving Alberta's heavy oil resources to market," said Clark.
"I've been saying that, not to the most receptive audience initially, for a long time ... I'm really delighted that she is on board with that."
With files from Dan Burritt