EDMONTON, Alberta, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- The provincial governments of British Columbia and Alberta said they agreed on the terms of responsible resource development for Canada.
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper is working to diversify an energy market that depends almost exclusively on the United States. Alison Redford, premier of oil-rich Alberta province, said reaching new markets was a priority for her administration.
"We are making real progress, together [with British Columbia], on continued responsible resource development that creates jobs and long-term growth for Alberta, British Columbia and all of Canada," she said in a statement Tuesday.
Both sides agreed to focus at the working group level on aboriginal concerns and spill response in the event of any accidents on Canada's western coast. Oil pipeline and natural gas export terminals are planned for British Columbia.
Energy companies have stressed environmental safety is one of their key priorities.
The provincial leaders said they'd issue a final report on ways to strengthen Canada's resource sector by Dec. 31.
