OTTAWA - Prime Minister Stephen Harper heads to China today, and in addition to a political entourage, he's bringing along a who's-who of Canada's energy sector.
Harper is travelling with the presidents of several oil and gas companies, including those involved in major pipeline projects.
One of those projects — the Northern Gateway — is considered key to helping Canada export more oil to China.
But it's not just the energy business fuelling Harper's four-day trip to the Middle Kingdom.
He's also bringing along leadership from the agricultural, transportation and education sectors, hoping to beef up Canada-China relations in those fields.
While on his three-city tour, Harper will also meet with current and future Chinese political leaders to set the stage for a long-term relationship between the two countries.