Christie encourages closer ties to Canada

Emphasizing the importance of the relationship between the United States and Canada, Gov. Christie called again for completion of the Keystone XL pipeline during a speech Thursday in Calgary, Alberta.

Christie previously criticized the delay of the pipeline extension - which would carry petroleum from Alberta to refineries in the Gulf Coast - in a September speech in Mexico.

On Thursday, the first day of a two-day trade mission to Canada, Christie reiterated his stance on the extension, framing it as a key step to boosting ties between the U.S. and Canada.

"This is no way to treat a friend," Christie said to business officials at the Calgary Petroleum Club in a speech carried online. "This is not about sending your oil across our land," he said, as the pipeline would benefit both countries.

Christie, who is considering a run for president in 2016, did not mention President Obama when advocating for the pipeline. Obama has delayed a decision on the project.

The Republican governor's position is consistent with that of his party, whose members cite the project's economic benefits. Environmentalists oppose it, in part because of the energy and carbon emissions involved in extracting petroleum from Alberta oil sands.

They also have raised concerns about the potential for harm to the environment from a pipeline leak.

On Thursday, Christie argued that the extension would be safe and would boost employment, citing 42,000 temporary jobs projected to be created as a result of construction.

The petroleum carried by the pipeline is not expected to wind up in New Jersey. But Christie and other proponents say the project would benefit the Garden State by lowering prices for consumers.

Tom Kloza, an analyst with the Oil Price Information Service, said that prices would not drop as a result of the pipeline and that the project would have little impact on New Jersey. "That's like saying, if a South American butterfly flaps its wings, does it have an impact on you?" Kloza said. "In quantum theory, it does."

Some of Christie's remarks Thursday matched word-for-word the speech he gave during the trade mission to Mexico.

And on other energy-related topics, much of the governor's message Thursday mirrored his speech in that country as well.

Christie again called for more investment in North American pipeline infrastructure, a lifting of the 1970s-era ban on crude oil exports, and more certainty in the regulatory process.

He repeated that the U.S. should prioritize its relationships with Mexico and Canada, praising Canada's contributions as a neighbor and world partner, including its troops who have served in Afghanistan.

At one point, Christie diverged from scripted remarks - according to a copy of the speech released by his office - to note that he was nominated by former President George W. Bush to be U.S. attorney for New Jersey on the day before the Sept. 11 attacks.

After that, "it was my task as chief law enforcement officer of the state . . . to work with our friends and neighbors to protect each other," Christie said.

He said Canada's commitment to fighting terror "is something that binds our nations together."

Christie also called for growth in trade between the U.S. and Canada, which is the nation's - and New Jersey's - largest trading partner. He listed actions he said could reduce costs and inefficiency at the border, adding, "Believe me, this is not rocket science."

Although Christie's trip is a state trade mission - paid for in part by a privately funded nonprofit - the governor also drew attention as a potential presidential candidate.

One Canadian energy executive, in a brief question-and-answer session, suggested that Christie announce his presidential intentions in Calgary, given the city's distinction as the birthplace of another possible Republican contender, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.

Christie laughed at the idea of announcing a campaign in a foreign country.

"As my friend Donald Trump would say, 'You're fired,' " he said.

With the midterm elections and his travels with the Republican Governors Association over, Christie said he planned to "take a breather for a bit, tend to my day job." He said he would not make a decision on the presidential race "until well into next year."

On Friday, Christie is expected to attend a wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, Ontario. He also is expected to meet privately with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and other Canadian officials.

He is also slated Friday to speak in Toronto at a seminar for Choose New Jersey, the pro-business group sponsoring the trip.