Energy issues expected to take centre stage at meeting of premiers

WATCH ABOVE: The National Energy Strategy is proving to be a contentious issue for the premiers. New Brunswick’s Brian Gallant is leading the discussion, but as Global’s Laura Brown reports, the issue is vitally important for the whole region.

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – Energy issues are expected to take centre stage at a meeting of the country’s provincial and territorial leaders today in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall launched a vigorous defence of the energy industry on Wednesday, saying he is growing concerned that oil and gas development is increasingly being viewed as a liability by the rest of the country.

Wall said he would be raising his concern at the meeting that gets underway today in St. John’s.

Meanwhile, New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant has said he’s optimistic an agreement on a national energy strategy will be reached at the gathering.

Gallant said such a strategy would be a catalyst for projects like the proposed Energy East pipeline because it would set the guidelines for projects impacting various parts of the country.