OTTAWA - Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach says the emphasis was on the environment Wednesday during his "open and candid" discussion with Nancy Pelosi, one of the most powerful lawmakers in the United States.
“It was acknowledged that the development of the oilsands has its challenges," Stelmach said in a news release.
"I impressed upon her that Alberta is taking the necessary steps to balance energy security with environmental responsibility and economic growth."
Pelosi, who has often voted against oil interests, and other U.S. officials met with Canada's environment minister and three premiers at a private dinner at the U.S. embassy.
“I also reinforced that Alberta considers the U.S. to be a strong ally and close friend that shares the same democratic principles and environmental values," said Stelmach.
“I believe this meeting builds on the tremendous outreach efforts of our government, including my mission to Washington, the work of our office in D.C. as well as the commitment of cabinet to engage directly with U.S. leaders."
Stelmach said he stressed his government's "proven commitment to protect and maintain the integrity of Alberta’s air, land, water and wildlife."
Although Alberta officials have often met prominent American politicians, including former vice-president Dick Cheney, this was their first meeting with Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Alberta maintains an office in the U.S. capital to help get out its message on the energy industry.
But several environmental groups accused Stelmach of "misleading" Pelosi about environmental accomplishments in the Alberta oilsands.
"His comments seem particularly galling given that his government was recently caught out on one of its core lines of defence of the tar sands industry," said Rick Smith of the group Environmental Defence.
"And that line of defence has been, until recently, that pollution in the Athabasca River is natural."
A recent study found high levels of heavy metals such as lead and mercury in Alberta's Athabasca River system are linked to oilsands facilities.
<?xml:namespace prefix = undisclosed-recipients /><undisclosed-recipients:;>U.S. Ambassador David Jacobson said in a statement Wednesday night that striking the right balance between energy security and the environment is complex.
"The more we talk with each other, the more able we'll be to strike that balance."
</undisclosed-recipients:;>Pelosi was joined by Ed Markey, chair of an important energy committee and co-author of an environmental bill working its way through the U.S. Senate.
Republican congressman James Sensenbrenner had planned to tag along, but he wasn't able to.
A statement from Pelosi's office said they came "to learn and listen at a time where the debate in Canada continues over oilsands and the future of energy security in North America."
Her office declined interview requests.
Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall said he wouldn't waste an opportunity to promote free trade to Pelosi, the third-ranking politician in the U.S.
"I think we should take every chance we can to make the case for freer trade, to make the case against American protectionism," Wall said.
"It's a chance to ... certainly provide some information to our friends from the United States about the dynamic trade relationship we have and how important Saskatchewan is in that, in terms of energy, in terms of food, and we'll be making that case with the Speaker and the congressmen that are here from the delegation."
Quebec Premier Jean Charest was expected to tout hydro-electricity from his province.