CALGARY — NDP Leader Tom Mulcair reiterated his opposition to the proposed Northern Gateway pipeline in Calgary Thursday but said Alberta oil companies do need greater market access for the oilsands.

“Should we be looking for positive ways to find markets for oil from the oilsands? Of course we should. That’s part of our obligation,” a western-clad Mulcair told reporters after meeting with Mayor Naheed Nenshi.

“Alberta’s companies in order to properly evolve and develop have to have access to other markets.”

The New Democrat said this week that a damning United States government report on Enbridge’s handling of a Michigan oil spill should be the final nail in that company’s Northern Gateway project, which would ship oilsands product to Asia-bound tankers off the northern coast of British Columbia.

Mulcair noted there are already pipelines to Vancouver and said he is interested in the idea of shipping oilsands crude to eastern Canadian refineries on existing pipelines. He also wants to see more upgrading facilities built in Canada instead of simply shipping raw product.

Mulcair — the latest in a string of federal politicians to come to Calgary for the Stampede — has come under heavy fire from the federal Conservatives and Alberta’s Premier Alison Redford for his comments relating to the oilsands. And the NDP has traditionally had little traction in Tory-blue Alberta.

However, Mulcair dismissed the idea he was trying to drive a wedge between eastern and Western Canada and said the NDP message was resonating across the country.

“Everyone across Canada agrees we should be looking for ways to ensure the sustainable development of our resources,” he said.

The former Quebec justice minister said the party would work hard in the Calgary-Centre byelection slated to be called before the end of the year but he isn’t predicting victory.

Mulcair — who will mainstreet at the Stampede this afternoon — said he had a good meeting with Nenshi discussing issues such as municipal funding.

“I think he’s one of the most exciting politicians in Canada frankly, at any level of government. Very engaging, great ideas. Calgary’s very lucky,” he said.

In a written statement, Nenshi said the meeting included discussion about the significance of the oilsands and Northern Gateway.

“I explained how important our energy industry is for Canada’s economy and encouraged him to learn more about the industry and what is being done, or what more can be done, to ensure development that is sensitive to our environment,” said Nenshi.

“The energy industry has played an important role supporting our national economy during a period of recession.”

jwood@calgaryherald.com