Rachel Notley follows in Alison Redford's footsteps with Quebec talks

Alberta premier Rachel Notley seems confident that she will be able to convinceher Quebec counterpart to endorse a new pipeline across the country, just as her predecessor Alison Redfordwas able to do three years ago.

Notley held a special meeting with Quebec PremierPhilippe Couillardin advanceofa meeting of all the premiersin Newfoundland on Wednesday. The conversation focused on TransCanada's proposed Energy East pipeline, which Couillard has repeatedlyopposed.

After the two premiers met face to face, Couillard suggested hemay be coming around on the project, describing thetalks as positive and pleasant.

"I am convinced that we have found a new ally in Ms.Notley," saidCouillard in a statement.

Notley echoed those sentiments.

"He understands energy continues to be a key driver of economic prosperity not just in Alberta but across Canada and he acknowledged pipelines are ultimately the best way to move that product," Notley said on a conference call with reporters.

Couillardis concerned about climate change, as well ashow much economic benefit his province would receive from the pipeline. Notleydidn't dispute those points.

"I mean essentially, what they need to see is some meaningful action with respect to environmental protection and climate change and it needs to make economic sense for Quebec. Those are not unreasonable standards. They're the same standards we would look for in Alberta," she said.

Echoes of a previous meeting

The moment is strikinglysimilar to when former premiersAlison Redford and Pauline Maroismet three years ago. Marois opposed Enbridge's Line 9 reversal projec,t and Redford requested a special meeting ahead of a premiersconference to talk things over.Marois was seen as a combative counterpart because ofher environmental and economic concerns with the pipeline.

However, after their chat, the pair emergedlaughing and smiling. They struck a partnership to work together on energy projects.

"I think it's important to have a working group on the issues of this, the economic issues on the energy," said Marois, who described the talks as a win-win.

Since then, the National Energy Board has approved Enbridge's project.

Both meetings this week and back in 2012 ended with rosy, warm feelings and an invitation for the Quebec premier to travel west and visit Alberta.

Opposition to Energy East

The big difference at this week's meeting is the pipeline in question. Energy Eaststill faces considerable opposition.

In Manitoba, oppositiongroupsincludethe Manitoba Energy Justice Coalition, the Council of Canadians, Idle No More,Kairos, the University of Winnipeg Students Association and the Wilderness Committee. TheManitoba Energy Justice Coalition is also not convinced of the project'simpact or safety.

Several groups in New Brunswick also oppose the project.In total, the National Energy Board has received 1,805 applications to participate in the hearing forEnergy East.

TransCanadaalready had toabandonplans for a terminal in Cacouna, Que., due to concerns about beluga whales.

If Notley can convince Quebec to support the proposed pipeline, she'll score a victory. But even that victory would be relatively small, and Energy East still faces many other battles if its to be built, especially before the company's timeline of 2020.