While in “Canadia”, as Abbott inadvertently called the country while talking to the press, the leaders called for “like-minded” Commonwealth countries, such as the UK, India, Australia and New Zealand, to oppose efforts to put a price on carbon at the forthcoming G20 summit.

The PMs also attacked the “left-liberal schemes”, such as the carbon tax, which they said imposed higher taxes and further state intervention into the economy.

''We think that climate change is a significant problem, it’s not the only or even the most important problem the world faces but it is a significant problem and it’s important every country should take the action that it thinks is best to address emissions,'' Abbott said from Ottawa.

He praised US President Barack Obama’s plan to cut carbon emissions 30% by 2030, because the proposal did not put a price on carbon.

''I am encouraged that President Obama is taking what I would regard as direct action measures to reduce emissions, this is very similar to the action my government proposes in Australia.''

Harper reiterated Abbott’s pro-economy ideas.

''It's not that we don't seek to deal with climate change,'' Harper said.

''We seek to deal with it in a way that enhances our ability to create jobs and growth, this is their position.”

US representatives have met strong opposition from Australian counterparts when pushing climate change as an agenda item for November’s G20 summit in Brisbane.

Abbott said he would be surprised if the topic of climate change was not mentioned at the summit but added that climate change concerns were better placed at United Nations meetings rather than the economically focused G20.

He then travelled to the US on Tuesday, where he took part in a September 11 memorial service.

While in New York, Abbott will call for tougher international tax laws and new investment rules for infrastructure.

Meetings with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and business leaders are also on the PM’s agenda, as well as a possible meeting with Obama.