Washington (Platts)--13Feb2009

US President Barack Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper
will discuss a range of issues, including energy, when they meet next week in
Ottawa, the White House said Friday.

"I think you'll hear a discussion on energy," Obama press secretary
Robert Gibbs told reporters. "Obviously, the economy will be the most primary
topic."

Gibbs added that the talks on Thursday will also include trade,
international security and immigration. It will be Obama's first international
trip as president; traditionally, the first international trip for a new US
president is to Canada.

Canada is the largest foreign energy supplier to the US. Roughly 20% of
the oil used in the US comes from its northern neighbor, according to the US
Energy Information Administration.

Issues related to Canadian tar sands are expected to be part of the
discussions. The new administration has not articulated a position on tar
sands, which has become a source of contention in recent years. Supporters
argue in favor of using the abundant resource, while opponents say it uses far
too much natural gas, electricity and water to be worthwhile.

Many environmental groups have also targeted tar sands for its high
carbon content, which exceeds lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of
conventional petroleum production.

Obama and Harper spoke on the telephone last month.

--Alexander Duncan, alexander_duncan@platts.com