OTTAWA -- In a plea for national unity on energy policy, Alberta Premier Alison Redford chastised two NDP "political activists" who went to Washington, D.C., this week to lobby against the Keystone oil pipeline project.

"It is not appropriate for federal members of Parliament to be doing that," said Redford, referring to New Democrat MPs Claude Gravelle and Meagan Leslie. "I am not at all supportive of that and I am disappointed about it."

While the U.S. delays its decision on Keystone, Redford has been fighting a rearguard action in Canada, saying oilsands development is good for the whole country.

Asked about Quebec's strong environmental opposition to oilsands development, Redford suggested Premier Jean Charest look to his own backyard first.

"Quebec, right now, is putting together Le Plan Nord, which is very much based on mining in northern Quebec," said Redford. "There are a lot of issues that allow for economic development in Quebec, but will also need to address environmental sustainability."

Redford began her day in Ottawa with breakfast with Jim Prentice, a CIBC vice-president, and John Manley, president and CEO of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives.

She was due to meet Prime Minister Stephen Harper before leaving Ottawa.