EDMONTON - Canada's western premiers are supporting Alberta Premier Alison Redford's vision of a national strategy to jointly develop, lobby, sell and sustain the country's energy resources.
Redford says a working group will be set up to further discuss the strategy in the run-up to the Council of the Federation meeting this summer in Halifax.
The plan would see the provinces and the federal government work closer together to reduce regulatory red tape and expand markets for Canada's energy.
They would also develop joint initiatives on research and development and on ways to protect the environment.
Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall says the national strategy will be successful at educating Canadians about the huge energy potential of the country.
B.C. Jobs Minister Patrick Bell says the premiers will urge Ottawa to continue efforts to reduce duplication and delays in federal-provincial environmental assessments.
