Canada and the United States must forge stronger bonds in the critical area of energy development, says the head of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

“For both nations, it is imperative that we secure an abundant and affordable supply of energy,” Thomas Donohue said in notes for a luncheon speech to the International Forum of the Americas.

“We have a mutual interest in developing Canada’s oil sands and building the Keystone XL pipeline. Both can be done safely and with a limited impact on the environment. It’s not a question of whether these oil sands are going to be developed, it’s a question of which markets the energy will go to. The United States is the best destination – we are close, we are a friend and an ally, and we have stronger environmental standards than many other possible recipients. This is a win-win deal for both countries.”