Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard is anxious to build alliances with new NDP Alberta Premier Rachel Notley, particularly concerning environmental protection.
“Because Alberta is a significant player in the world oil production, it should also be a significant player against world climate change. I know Premier Prentice shared that view to a certain degree,” Couillard said Wednesday in Quebec City.
Couillard said that policy changes are expected in Alberta, as the province faces significant budgetary challenges resulting from the fall in oil prices.
“I’ll discuss that with her but first and foremost I want to congratulate her for her election.” The two are expected to talk for the first time Wednesday afternoon.
Quebec Environment Minister David Heurtel welcomed the spirit of cooperation and dialogue which Notley expressed in her victory speech. He said he was optimistic about future dialogue on the issue of reducing greenhouse gases.
The NDP elected 54 deputies with 40.5 percent of the vote, ending 43 years of Tory rule. Conservative Leader Jim Prentice won his riding but chose to resign. Prentice led a majority government with 70 elected members, a total that has now been reduced to 10, forming the second opposition behind the Wildrose Party.
