AP/Toby Talbot

Quebec Premier Jean Charest, left, and Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin confer during the New England Governors and Eastern Quebec Premiers conference on Monday in Burlington.

Leaders from Eastern Canada and New England are gathering in Burlington today for the annual Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers.

Protesters from environmental groups demonstrated against the shipment of tar sands oil through Vermont. And the Vermont Workers Center criticized the conference saying it's largely about corporate sponsors interested in transmitting energy through the state.

Governor Peter Shumlin speaks with VPR's Mitch Wertlieb.

Click listen to hear the interview.