Alberta Premier Alison Redford give B.C. preem congratulations on stunning election win

Still concerns about Gateway pipeline in Northern B.C.: Clark

By ,Edmonton SunFirst posted: | Updated: Premier Alison Redford congratulated the B.C. Liberals and its leader on their re-election Tuesday night as talks surrounding the Gateway pipeline continue to heat up. “I look forward to renewing discussions with British Columbia about the issues that affect our provinces,” said Redford about Christy Clark’s win.On Wednesday, Redford said she had a long phone conversation with Clark about her win.”We talked about our shared interests — we both want to ensure our economies are growing, that we’re creating jobs and that western Canada will thrive for generations to come,” said Redford.

The two premiers haven’t been on the best of terms since Redford told Clark to take a hike over her demand for royalties from the Northern Gateway pipeline last year.

When asked about the Northern Gateway pipeline a press conference Wednesday, Clark reiterated her belief that people in northern B.C. are concerned about the project and that support for the pipeline is “mixed across the province.”

Congratulating Clark directly on her party’s victory, Wildrose Opposition Leader Danielle Smith suggested that now is the time for Redford to pick up the phone and start working out their differences.

“This is a project that is of mutual benefit for both Alberta and B.C.,” said Smith.

“B.C. voters clearly want a government that is focused on growing the economy and creating jobs. Most importantly, they have rejected the anti-growth, anti-pipeline agenda of the B.C. NDP.”

“I am hopeful that Premier Clark and the BC Liberals will champion these types of projects and see them through to completion.”

Alberta Liberal Leader Raj Sherman said Clark and her team “deserve credit for a hard-fought campaign, which ultimately resulted in Liberals regaining the confidence of British Columbians with a strong mandate to lead the province forward into the future.”

Alberta NDP Leader Brian Mason did not offer any form of congratulations.

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@SunMattDykstra