Canadian Natural Resources Minister Greg Rickford said from Alberta that Canada's economic future depends on responsible resource development.

Rickford met his counterpart in Alberta, Diana McQueen, to discuss the task ahead for Canada's energy and economic future.

"Minister McQueen and I met and agreed that Canada's economic future depends on developing our natural resources responsibly," Rickford said in a statement Saturday. "We share key priorities: continuing to build on world-class environmental protection and safety, strengthening energy security, as well as creating jobs and economic prosperity."

Alberta holds some of the largest oil deposits in the world at its Athabasca deposit, located in the east of the province.

The heavier grade of crude oil found there is seen as a threat to the environment. It's more viscous and tends to linger in the environment longer if spilled.

McQueen said Rickford's vision for Canada's future is one based on energy security in a diverse global market.

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has sought to add a layer of diversity to an energy export economy that depends almost exclusively on the United States.