Quebec warms to idea of energy partnership with other provinces
Quebec has changed its mind and now says it supports a national energy strategy as proposed by Alberta – as long as that strategy only involves the provinces and not Ottawa.
Quebec has long been opposed to a national strategy for fear that the federal government would dictate development policy in a sector over which the province claims jurisdiction. But after a meeting with his Alberta counterpart, Alison Redford, Premier Jean Charest said Quebec was willing to co-operate with the other provinces if the federal government is kept on the sidelines.
“We don't need the federal government to make that happen. … If there is going to be a federal role it should be at our invitation and not them intervening,” Mr. Charest said during a joint news conference with Ms. Redford on Wednesday.
Ms. Redford was in Quebec City, where she not only met Mr. Charest but also expressed her views to cabinet during its weekly meeting, an unprecedented move for an Alberta premier.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/quebec-warms-to-idea-of-energy-partnership-with-other-provinces/article2299631/