Kenney, PM have ‘frank, but respectful’ chat despite premier’s warnings over Bill C-69

Separation, pipelines and jobs. Alberta’s Premier Jason Kenney takes his message to the Canadian Senate and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Jonathan Muma has more

OTTAWA (NEWS 1130) – Despite being political foes, Alberta’s new premier says his meeting with the prime minister went very well.

Jason Kenney went into the face-to-face with Justin Trudeau warning national unity would be at risk if Bill C-69, which would beef up environmental assessments for energy projects, is passed.

There was a lot of tense anticipation for this half-hour meeting, but the premier said things went smoothly.

“We had a frank conversation and I think we understand out positions very well,” Kenney said.

It’s a much different tone than the lead up to the meeting, when Kenney warned that national unity was at risk because Albertans are frustrated with the Trudeau government’s energy plans.

“Why does the federal government want to take our tax dollars and redistribute them, but not allow us to develop the wealth which pays for those bills,” he said ahead of the sit-down.

 

WATCH: Ahead of Trudeau meeting, Kenney calls assessment bill a threat to national unity

He claimed Bill C-69 violates Alberta’s constitutional right to manage its natural resources, and believes it’ll kill future pipelines.

Kenney had said the people in his province are frustrated.

“I am simply pointing out that there is deep and growing frustration in my province, and it is the roll of the prime minister of any party to safeguard national unity.”

With months to go before the election, the premier will be a big thorn in the prime minister’s side, threatening legal action against the carbon tax, to turn off the oil taps for B.C., and picking political fights over the Trans Mountain pipeline.

 

Federal Natural Resources Minister Amarjeet Sohi was in on the meeting and said the government understands Alberta’s challenges.

Sohi had said Kenney’s comments ahead of the meeting suggesting the province would leave the confederation were “irresponsible.” Federal Environment Minister Catherine McKenna had echoed the thought that Kenney’s language was inflammatory.

He added the government and the premier are on the same page to help the province and create jobs.

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