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In an interview Tuesday, McCuaig-Boyd downplayed the impact of Couillard’s remarks.

“He’s just trying to make sure the project is right for his province and I think any premier would want that,” she said. “There’s a shared priority certainly among all the provinces to move our resources, so I don’t think talks are dead by any means.”

McCuaig-Boyd noted that Notley will get together with her fellow premiers at a Council of the Federation meeting in Newfoundland and Labrador next month, while she will meet with her fellow energy ministers in Halifax.

Energy East is expected to be a topic of discussion at both meetings, and Alberta wants to hear the concerns of other jurisdictions, she said.

“It’s interest-based problem-solving or interest-based bargaining. You put the problem on the table, you get everybody around and let’s just talk about it. How can we make this happen? I see it as kind of that process,” said McCuaig-Boyd.

New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant said Wednesday that supporters of Energy East have to make the case for the project.

“It’s going to be our role — myself and others who support this project and want to see this investment be made — to show New Brunswickers, to show Quebecers, to show Canadians across the country that there are benefits for all of us, that it can be done safely and can be done in a way we all have benefits,” Gallant said Wednesday.

In question period Tuesday, Notley said she had spoken earlier this week to Gallant about the two provinces’ “common interest” around Energy East.