Philippe Couillard, Rachel Notley discuss future of Quebec pipelines

Quebec's premier Philippe Couillardwelcomed Rachel Notley to the province on Tuesday, one day before all the premiers meet in St. John's, Nfld.

The two premiers spoke privately on issues including pipelines, energy, and the economy.

Couillard described the talks as positive and pleasant, saying they strengthened the relationship between the two provinces.

He also congratulated Notley on her victory, saying her victory signified a change in Alberta.

"We have a lot in common," said Notley in French to a slew of Quebec reporters.

But Couillard reiterated his position on the EnergyEast pipeline, and Notley didn't deny that the economy of Alberta is heavily reliant on the province's oil.

• Quebec premier sees little value in proposed oil pipeline

Then the two will fly to meet the rest of Canada's premiers for a Council of the Federation meetings in St. John's, Nfld.

Notley and Couillard committed to another one-on-one meeting in the fall.

Premiers to meet

Climate change was a key topic at the Council of the Federation meetings in April. At the time, the premiers of all Canadian provinces and territories called on Ottawa to do more to fight pollution.

Quebec's environment minister, David Heurtel, says it's too early to tell if the 13 premiers can work out a national energy development strategy, but he does say climate change needs to be a key subject in discussions between premiers.

The Council of the Federation meetings begintomorrow and run through Friday.