Western premiers present united front on advancing economic corridors

Premiers for the territories and western provinces reiterated that they are united in advancing economic corridors in the region, while Alberta separatism loomed large over the Western Premiers’ Conference.

The leaders came to an agreement on several shared priorities over the two-day meeting in Kananaskis, Alberta this week, including more investment in transportation and trade-enabling infrastructure that connects resources in western and northern Canada to domestic and international markets.

“We all understand that this is Canada’s moment and we need to work together to make the most of it,” Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said at a press conference on Tuesday.

“To achieve the prosperity and change we want to see in this great country, we need unity, certainty and stability that enables each province and territory to develop their economies and export their resources to the world. We are all stronger members of a united Canada.”

The premiers from the Yukon, NWT, Nunavut, BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba also issued a report on work to advance economic corridors since they signed a memorandum of understanding at last year’s conference in Yellowknife.

The report estimates between $60 to $69 billion of annual investment from public and private sources is needed to support base transportation infrastructure in the region until 2075 to keep up with expected population growth and support economic development.

It calls for a federal port-to-port-to-port strategy to connect ports in Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Churchill and Grays Bay, and federal investment to maintain and expand key highway corridors.

The report also lists priority infrastructure projects for each province and territory that all premiers have pledged to support.

Alongside the NWT’s big three major projects of the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor, Mackenzie Valley Highway and Taltson highway expansion, restoration of Hay River’s harbour was also listed as a priority for the territory.

The premiers agreed to host a western Canadian defence procurement conference, which will bring together government and private sector to maximize expected defence spending.

The leaders further said they want federal legislation to require mandatory reporting of online threats of violence following the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, BC.

Other priorities that premiers agreed upon included advancing international trade agreements, removing investment barriers, Arctic sovereignty and defence, and disaster preparedness and wildfire response.

“We had important discussions on the issues shaping the future of our regions and our country,” NWT Premier RJ Simpson stated in a Facebook post about the meeting.

“One thing was clear throughout our conversations: we are stronger when we work together. While each jurisdiction faces unique challenges, we share many of the same priorities and opportunities, and collaboration remains key to delivering real results for the people we serve.”

Despite premiers sharing messages of unity, including the line “we are all stronger as members of a united Canada,” in an official communique, Alberta separation cast a shadow over the conference.

Earlier this month, an Alberta judge quashed the approval of a citizen-led separatist petition, finding the province had failed to fulfill its constitutional duty to consult the First Nations whose treaty rights could be impacted.

Smith said her government plans to appeal the decision and, in the meantime, add a question to a referendum planned for October 19. The question will ask voters whether the province should hold a future binding provincial referendum on whether to separate from the rest of Canada.

The issue dominated national headlines on the premiers’ conference and was the focus of many reporters’ questions during Tuesday’s press conference.

No questions were asked of Simpson or Yukon Premier Currie Dixon at the press conference, and Nunavut Premier John Main was not present.

BC, Manitoba disagree with Alberta referendum

BC Premier David Eby said he was “pleased” with the language about a unified Canada in the official statement, but remained “incredibly anxious” about Alberta’s separation referendum question.

“I disagree profoundly with Premier Smith’s referendum. I think it is a huge mistake,” he said.

Eby said while he and Smith disagree on matters such as the referendum and a proposed oil pipeline to the BC coast, premiers need to come together to discuss their concerns.

“Just like a family we can work it out together and we’ll be stronger for it,” he said.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said he agreed with the judge’s ruling on the separatism petition and thanked First Nations for “hitting pause” on the matter.

“I would say now is the time to work together,” Kinew said.

“Why don’t we hold off on this referendum, talk for a year or two and see if we can get these pipelines under construction because at the end of the day we want Canada to succeed. We’re all very proud of this place. I myself am very, very patriotic.”