The annual conference of western premiers concluded in Whitehorse today, with provincial and territorial leaders addressing the media on a range of critical issues affecting the northern and western regions of Canada. Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai hosted this year’s gathering, joined by Premiers Danielle Smith, Scott Moe, David Eby, Wab Kinew, P.J. Akeeagok, and R.J. Simpson.
Yukon Premier Pillai emphasized the value of collaboration among the leaders. “Throughout our discussions, we underscored the value of collaboration, our interest in being cooperative partners to one another, and being strong representatives of the people of northern and western Canada,” said Pillai. He highlighted the diverse backgrounds of the leaders and their collective efforts to support Canadians in the North and the West, calling the collaborative spirit “inspiring.”
A key topic of the conference was the development of the hydrogen sector. British Columbia Premier David Eby and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith spoke on their mutual goals and challenges. “We have a broad agreement between our provinces that hydrogen is a key sector that we want to develop,” Eby stated, noting the need for federal government involvement and community support for the export of hydrogen. Smith echoed this sentiment, highlighting Alberta’s expertise in hydrogen production and the potential for zero-emission hydrogen.
Smith emphasized the need for federal cooperation, particularly in First Nations consultations, to ensure that the development of the hydrogen sector is equitable and environmentally sound. “We hope that we can work with the federal government on First Nations consultation because true partnership and equity ownership assist in making sure communities are compensated appropriately,” Smith said.
Addressing the Prairie Green landfill search, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew assured that plans are being laid out with health and environmental measures in place, particularly concerning asbestos and other toxic materials. “We will very soon be in a position to speak much more freely about our plans,” the premier said, noting that the first updates will be shared directly with the families.
Premier of the Northwest Territories , R.J. Simpson discussed the severe drought affecting the region, now in its third year. “The low water levels have had significant impacts on our ability to ship goods and resupply communities,” Simpson explained, attributing the situation to the need for sustained rainfall and snowfall.
The affordability crisis faced by young people in British Columbia was another significant topic. Premier Eby highlighted the province’s rapid growth and the pressures it creates. “We’re adding 10,000 people every 37 days,” Eby said, stressing the importance of housing affordability for young people. He expressed frustration with the federal government’s financial support disparity, pointing out that British Columbia has received no additional funding to manage immigration pressures, unlike Quebec.
Alberta Premier Smith addressed the province’s efforts to attract new residents through the “Alberta’s Calling” campaign, which has successfully drawn over 200,000 people last year, including many newcomers to Canada. She emphasized the need for increased federal support to manage this influx effectively.
The potential for a grid connection between Yukon and British Columbia was discussed, with Premier Pillai highlighting ongoing dialogues and applications for federal support under critical minerals funding. “We need support for these projects to get back to a place where nation-building investment happens,” Pillai stated, stressing the importance of federal backing for infrastructure projects across the North and West.
Premier Eby added, “The significant potential of our respective jurisdictions working more closely on electricity is not just about a grid tie but also about various opportunities that involve multiple jurisdictions to bring goods to market and support the quality of life of our constituents.”
The leaders called for greater federal support to ensure that the needs of northern and western Canadians are met and that they can continue to develop key sectors and infrastructure projects that benefit all Canadians.