Premiers from across western Canada met earlier this week for the 2026 Western Premier’s Conference in Kananaskis, Alberta.
The premiers from the Yukon, NWT, Nunavut, BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba met to discuss the challenges facing western provinces and territories, and how they can collaborate to manage them.
“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,” said the premiers in a press release.
One of the major topics of discussion was economic corridors. The premiers spoke on the need to expand export markets to strengthen trade corridors. They also released a report which highlighted several projects in the NWT as particularly important, including the Mackenzie Valley Highway and the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor.
The premiers also spoke on energy and critical mineral projects in western Canada, saying that Canada is at a ‘critical window’ to secure investments, calling on the federal government to act decisively to take advantage of these opportunities.
Wildfire response was also spoken about, with the premiers welcoming the announcement that the federal government will be leasing 10 firefighting aircraft to assist with provincial and territorial response to wildfires.
The premiers also called for the federal government to modernize certification rules, allowing some ex-military aircraft to operate in Canadian airspace, lowering the barrier-to-entry for companies to enter the wildfire aviation market.
Northwest Territories premier R.J. Simpson emphasized the importance of collaboration following the conference.
“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.”
