New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant went head-to-head with the Montreal Mayor Dennis Coderre on Thursday over the Energy East pipeline.
Gallant appeared on Tout le monde en parle – one of the most popular shows in Quebec – to discuss environmental and economic concerns surrounding the controversial pipeline.
“This is what makes this show very attractive because they always have that question, the killing question,” said Natural Resources Minister Denis Landry. “You never know what's going to be asked and what's going to be answered."
It’s the first time the premier has been on the show, which will air on Sunday.
"I know that football is on at the same time, but I'm going to prefer to watch Tout Monde Parle," said Landry.
"I can't wait to see Denis Coderre and the premier square off," said New Brunswick Green Party Leader David Coon.
But Coon says the pipeline should not be the premier's priority
"The pipeline is so far off in the future at this point that I wish he would stop talking about it as often as he does because there aren't going to be any jobs attached to that if it happens for years and years," said Coon.
While Gallant has responded with statements on how Energy East will boost job growth and the economy, it could be how he handles himself on Tout le monde en parle that leaves a longer-lasting impression.
"It is important to share the merits of this project with Canadians from across the country," said Gallant in a statement, “and to discuss how to mitigate the concerns that currently exist in certain regions."
The opposition says Gallant should concentrate more on getting the prime minister on board with the pipeline.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Laura Brown.
